An illegal cockfighting ring based out of Kentucky has recently been exposed due to our collaborative efforts with Showing Animals Respect and Kindness (SHARK). Shockingly, this operation included multiple law enforcement officers who must be brought to justice for illegally forcing roosters to brutally attack one another.

An investigation uncovered two correctional officers responsible for running the “Cuttin’ Up Game Farm” operation and for posting photos of fights they attended on social media. In a cockfight, two terrified roosters are worked up into a frenzy and then pitted against one another.

The two correctional officers, Ronnie Bennet and Kyle Simpson, are employed at the Harlan County Detention Center in Evarts, Kentucky. Three cockfighters affiliated with the officers' syndicate reside in Virginia, making it a possible interstate ring. SHARK relayed the evidence obtained from its investigation to the Kentucky State Police, which falsely claimed that cockfighting isn’t illegal in Kentucky, despite the law stating that its forbidden to make “any animal...fight for pleasure.” Officer Bennett admitted to attending cockfights, but not to participating in them. If true, this means he violated federal law and didn’t act against criminal activity he was aware of.

What You Can Do

This case isn’t only an animal cruelty issue, but also a case of severe corruption. We are calling on the FBI and Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin to take action. In 2014, the Governor apologized after attending a pro-cockfighting rally, and he can now prove that the apology was sincere.

Please contact Governor Bevin, the FBI, and Kentucky authorities and urge them to prosecute these criminals.

1) Call Governor Bevin (502-564-2611), the Kentucky State Police Commissioner (502-782-1800), and the FBI’s Kentucky Office (502-263-6000). You will be directed straight to an operator at the Governor’s and Commissioner’s offices. Press 0 to speak to an operator at the FBI’s office.

Here’s an example of what you can say.

Hi, my name is _______, and I urge the Governor/Commissioner Sanders/the FBI to act against a cockfighting ring that was exposed by Showing Animals Respect and Kindness. This ring contained two Harlan County correctional officers named Ronnie Bennett and Kyle Simpson, who posted photos on social media depicting brutal cockfights they attended. Three of their associates reside in Virginia, making this a likely interstate ring. Cockfighting is a federal crime and prohibited by Kentucky law which forbids making “any animal...fight for pleasure or profit.” Please bring these criminals to justice immediately.

2) Send our letter to Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin; Richard Sanders, Chad White, and Jeremy Slinker of the Kentucky State Police; Parker Boggs, the Kentucky State Attorney for Harlan County; Fred Bustro, the Harlan County Attorney, and James Robert Brown, Paul M Abbate, David L Bowdich, Amy Hess, and Paul B. Murphy of the FBI by filling out the form on this page.