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DHSS Press Release

Josette Manning, Secretary
Jen Brestel, Director of Communications  
302-605-0577
Email: Jennifer.brestel@delaware.gov

DPH Media Relations Coordinator Contact:
Laura Matusheski
Email: DPHMedia@Delaware.gov

Date: August 22, 2023
DHSS-8-2023

FELTON COUPLE CHARGED WITH ANIMAL FIGHTING

DOVER, Del. (August 22, 2023) - Delaware Animal Services (DAS), the enforcement unit within the Office of Animal Welfare, announces the arrest of a man and woman involved in a cockfighting incident in May.

Billy Keen, age 51, and Andrea Keen, age 43, of Felton were arraigned August 18, 2023. The husband and wife were each charged with one felony count of possessing an animal for the purpose of fighting. Andrea was additionally charged with a one felony count of being present for animal fighting. Both were released on their own recognizance.

On May 6, DAS received a report of a cockfight occurring at a farm located in the 3000 Block of Sandtown Road in Felton. When an animal welfare officer arrived, the officer found an active cockfight taking place with a crowd of people in attendance. Attendees quickly fled the scene.

Subsequently, DAS obtained a search warrant for the property. The investigation revealed that Andrea and Billy Keen, who own the farm, host illegal cockfighting events on the property.

Animal fighting is a cruel bloodsport in which roosters bred for aggression are placed in a pit to fight for entertainment and gambling, often until one or both birds die. Animal fighting is often linked to other crimes such as weapons, drugs and human violence. It is illegal in all 50 states, and a felony crime in Delaware.

Anyone with information concerning this case is asked to contact Delaware Animal Services at 302-255-4646. All tips may remain confidential.

Anyone who is deaf, hard of hearing, Deaf-Blind or speech disabled can contact DPH by dialing 711 first using specialized devices (i.e. TTY, TeleBraille, voice devices). The 711 service is free and to learn more about how it works, please visit delawarerelay.com.

DPH, a division of DHSS, urges Delawareans to make healthier choices with the 5-2-1 Almost None campaign: eat 5 or more fruits and vegetables each day, have no more than 2 hours of recreational screen time each day (includes TV, computer, gaming), get 1 or more hours of physical activity each day, and drink almost no sugary beverages.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.

FELTON COUPLE CHARGED WITH ANIMAL FIGHTING

Delaware's Government