Four men have been charged with animal cruelty after police raided a cockfight just about noon on Saturday.

Police issued a search warrant at 87-1029 Hakimo Road yesterday where about 500 people were in attendance, said Sgt. Darryl Castillo. Police cut the lock to gain entry to the area, he said.

"There's been a lot of chicken fights on Hakimo Road," Castillo said. "They have their own security. Officers went to the location about three weeks ago and were challenged by the security."

The four men charged were most likely chicken handlers, Castillo said. Charged were: Malosi Frank Lavatai, 18, of the Hakimo Road, who posted $2,000 bail for charges cruelty to animals; Joseph Lai, 44, of Oluolu Street, Waimanalo, for cruelty to animals and posted $2,000 bail; Patrick Takahashi, 30, of Waiaphu who posted $3,000 bail for charges of cruelty to animals and gaff prohibited, an item attached to the chicken leg; and Loreto Arzagi Jr., 35, of Waipahu, who posted $3,000 bail for cruelty to animals charge and for gaff prohibited.

"There have been sporadic cock fights in the area," Castillo said. "Someone heard there was to be a derby."