UPDATED: Kentucky State Police Post 15 in Columbia issued a CORRECTION PRESS RELEASE at 9:35 a.m. on Tuesday, May 7th regarding those cited for cruelty to animals. Only one Russell County resident was listed in the Corrected Press Release. WJRS News apologizes for the error as our news story was based on the original press release issued by State Police.
A complaint of animal cruelty in neighboring Casey County on Sunday has led to 14 people with being charged with Cruelty to Animals, including one person from Russell Springs.
State Police say they received a complaint around noon on Sunday of an organized chicken fighting operation in the Bethelridge community of Casey County. Upon arrival at a residence on highway 837, troopers found a caged area, with seating for spectators, several injured chickens, and a concession area on the property.
Arrested on the premises and charged with Cruelty to Animals, second degree, were Leo Harris, age 59, and Christopher Harris, age 39, both of Bethelridge.
Twelve other people were charged with Cruelty to Animals, second degree, and cited to appear in Casey District Court. Ronald Sharp, age 47, of Russell Springs, was among those charged. The case investigation remains ongoing according to authorities.