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CASEY COUNTY, Ky. (WKYT) - 14 people were cited for animal cruelty in connection with a chicken-fighting event.

Kentucky State Police says someone called to report the incident Sunday afternoon in the Bethelridge community.

Troopers found a caged area with seating, several injured chickens, and a concessions area on a property.

Leo Harris and Christopher Harris were arrested and charged with second-degree cruelty to animals.

The complaint was that an organized chicken-fighting operation was taking place in that community. Most of the people charged were cited to court. Animal Wellness Action was among the organizations that tipped police off to the operation.

“Saw all the tell-tale signs. There was a caged area where the birds are contained to fight. Seating for spectators. This place even had a concession stand so you could get a Cracker Jack so you can get something to eat while watching these birds fight to the death,” said Joseph Grove, a communications specialist with Animal Wellness Action.

Grove says that Kentucky is one of only a few states where this crime is not a felony but a misdemeanor. Kentucky lawmakers did consider a bill this past session, but it never received a vote in committee.

Police say the operation where the fighting was taking place was on property owned by Leo Harris, and Christopher Harris said he also resided there.

Twelve additional people were charged and cited to court for second-degree cruelty to animals, including:

correction: Kentucky State Police sent an updated press release removing three names from the previous list of people cited, replacing them with three new names.