Hawaii County vice officers are asking for the public’s help in providing information about cockfighting events which are traditionally run from Thanksgiving through the July 4 weekend. 

Cockfighting involves attaching razor-sharp gaffs to the legs of roosters, which then are left to fight one or more opponents until all but one are either dead or so savagely wounded they cannot continue, police said.

Persons who participate are subject to arrest for gambling, cruelty to animals and possession of gambling records.

Police encourage the public to report any information about scheduled fights, their locations, or persons involved by calling Detective Chad Taniyama in West Hawaii at 326-4646, extension 271, or Lt. Burt Shimabukuro at 961-2253. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call CrimeStoppers at 329-8181 in Kona or 961-8300 in Hilo.