More than a dozen people were arrested Sunday as part of an investigation into an organized chicken fighting event, state police said.

The Kentucky State Police were called to investigate an animal cruelty complaint reported in Casey County on Sunday.

As a result of the investigation, 14 people have been charged for their involvement in the incident that occurred Sunday afternoon in the Bethelridge community of Casey County.

On May 5, 2024, at approximately noon, state police received a call from a person stating there was an organized chicken-fighting event occurring at a residence located on KY 837.

Troopers responded to the residence and upon arrival made contact with several individuals that were on the property.

Troopers located a caged area with seating around it for spectators, several injured chickens, and a concessions area on the property.

Leo Harris, age 59, and Christopher Harris, age 39, both from Bethelridge, were arrested and charged with cruelty to animals 2nd degree. Both were lodged in the Casey County Detention Center.

Twelve additional individuals were charged and cited to court for cruelty to animals 2nd degree, including:

Steven Wesley, age 35 of Science Hill
Tiffany Robinson, age 35 of Liberty
Brandon Mounce, age 39 of Lancaster
Randall Emerson, age 49 of Bethelridge
Kaleb Chansler, age 33 of Middleburg
Ronald Sharp, age 47 of Russell Springs
Dormas Bullock, age 72 of Eubank
Jeffrey Owens, age 53 of Stanford
David Bradshaw, age 65 of Bethelridge
Patrick Harris, age 30 of Liberty
Dakota Ford, age 29 Salvisa
Janafer Denson, age 39 Crab Orchard

The case remains ongoing and is being investigated by Trooper Maverick Gadberry. Trooper Gadberry was assisted at the scene by Trooper Matthew Lee and Sergeant Levi Scott.