PIKE COUNTY, Ky. (WMDJ) – After a years-long investigation with local and federal law enforcement, Kentucky State Police arrested multiple individuals tied to illegal chicken fighting operations in Pike and Letcher counties. Seven federal indictments and plea agreements were finalized this month.

The investigation began in 2021 with tips about the Blackberry Chicken Pit in Pike County and expanded to include the Whitesburg Chicken Pit in Letcher County. Surveillance and search warrants revealed the scope of the operations, leading to the arrests of key organizers.

Sentences include prison time, home detention, and financial penalties. The owner of the Whitesburg Chicken Pit forfeited over $85,000 and dismantled the arena as part of a plea deal. Other participants await sentencing.

This effort follows similar arrests earlier this year in Casey County, underscoring ongoing efforts to combat animal fighting across Kentucky.