FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WOWO): Fort Wayne Animal Care and Control staff members recently went to Wisconsin to help with a rescue operation.

They were sent to Amery, Wisconsin to help remove almost 1,200 birds from a cockfighting ring that spanned two counties in western Wisconsin. Officers Erika Hedge and Animal Care Specialist Melissa North volunteered their time to participate. 

Several people allegedly involved in the cockfighting ring were arrested. 

According to the ASPCA, the birds were found to be living in cages or makeshift enclosures without proper access to food and water. Many of the birds appeared to have been injured from fighting.