Suspected Cockfighting Operation In Montgomery Co Leads To Arrest

SILVER SPRING, MD — A Silver Spring man is facing animal cruelty charges after authorities say they found evidence of cockfighting on his Burtonsville properties.

Raymond Romig, 59, has been charged with 22 counts of aggravated cruelty to animals, according to the Montgomery County Police Animal Services Division. If found guilty, Romig could serve up to three years in prison and/or pay a $5,000 fine, for each count.

On Nov. 21, animals services officers raided three of Romig's properties, located on Bell Road, after an officer on a routine pet licensing call "observed multiple roosters who had their combs and wattles removed." A comb or wattle is removed to prevent bleeding, which police say could impair the bird's vision when fighting in the ring.

According to police, the raid resulted in the seizure of 100 chickens and other "physical evidence related to the conduct, training and implements of cockfighting."

All relocated birds are receiving care through the county's Animal Services and Adoption Center.