CHARLOTTE, N.C.,None — State food inspectors say the owners of a west Charlotte farm may have sold uninspected meat to local restaurants and grocery stores.
Eyewitness News obtained the search warrant filed after authorities raided the farm at Dilling Farm Road on Friday.
The search warrant says a food compliance officer found evidence the family was slaughtering animals "without the benefit of required NCDA or USDA inspections," and selling the meat out of an office on the farm property, and potentially to local grocery stores and eateries.
Animal control officers also took part in the search and seizure after surveillance uncovered an alleged cockfighting ring.
Authorities said officers took drugs, needles and other paraphernalia commonly used in cockfighting, and seized more than 60 roosters.
Officers also found a stuffed "training bird" toy rooster, the affidavit said.
The animal control officer concluded, "I believe the premises are used to procure and raise game roosters for sale and distribution, to be wounded, tormented, injured or killed."
Eyewitness News spoke with family members on site Monday, who asserted the roosters were raised as pets and said that the farm owner was very upset about the raid.
No arrests have been made and no criminal charges have been filed in the case.
WSOC
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