Five charged after authorities raid suspected cockfighting ring in Lenoir County

Authorities made five arrests and seized dozens of chickens Sunday after discovering a suspected cockfighting ring in Lenoir County.

Deputies said 30 to 40 people ran into the woods when they arrived at a home on Wheat Swamp Road north of Kinston, WITN reported.

Authorities seized between 125 and 150 chickens from the home, and they arrested four people and the renter of the property during the raid.

All five people charged were released after posting bond.

Carolina Water Fowl Rescue, a nonprofit group from the Charlotte area, picked up the seized chickens Tuesday.