LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A new investigation shows tens of thousands of Kentucky fowls are being illegally trafficked to other countries to use in cockfighting. 

The Animal Wellness Action and Animal Wellness Foundation investigation alleges there are seven “kingpins” in Kentucky breeding and selling chickens for the illegal sport. 

The investigation says these seven breeders are responsible for shipping thousands of birds throughout the world. 

"These birds are often sold as twos or threes at $500 per bird,” said Wayne Pacelle, President of Animal Wellness Action. "No one is paying this money for the animal products, and they're not being used for show.”

Several of the accused can be found in videos made for cockfighting channels in the Philippines. Another of the accused posted pictures after winning second place in the “World Slashers Cup Derby”, a large cockfighting championship that takes place in the Philippines. 

“These videos in some ways are like depositions where the complainants are admitting to the broadcaster's to the viewers exactly what they are doing,” said Pacelle. 

Possessing and selling fowls for cockfighting and participating in cockfighting has been banned in the United States since 2002 and became a federal felony in 2007, however, in Kentucky, these crimes only carry a misdemeanor. The organization says Kentucky’s weak laws could have helped foster the industry here. 

“Kentucky has become a breeding ground for the global cockfighting industry,” Pacelle said. 

“I am disappointed, outraged, embarrassed that my state would play such a prominent role in this unfortunate cruel treatment of animals,” added Chris Gorman, former Kentucky Attorney General and member of the Animal Wellness National Law Enforcement Council. 

The organization and local lawmakers say the law needs to change. 

“What we need in Kentucky is something that provides a felony, and gives the tools and resources to the prosecutors to prosecute on a state level,” said Gorman. 

Senate Minority Floor Leader Morgan McGarvey, D-Louisville, says he plans to file legislation during the 2021 session to make cockfighting a felony in Kentucky. 

“We will be working in a bipartisan manner to do this, you can find agreement amongst Democrats and Republicans that torturing and fighting animals is wrong,” McGarvey said. "If you don't just believe that is wrong, then also look at the connections between cruelty to animals and then cruelty to people.” 

Animal Wellness Action sent letters to U.S. Attorney Robert Duncan and U.S. Attorney Russell Coleman who represent the Eastern and Western Districts of Kentucky with their findings of the investigation and to call on them to open an investigation into the seven individuals mentioned. A spokesperson for U.S. Attorney Duncan confirmed the office has received the letter but could not comment on whether and investigation into the matter would be opened. 

To view the investigation click here.