More than 200 cockfighting roosters were removed from a property by the RSPCA following a search west of Melbourne.

RSPCA inspectors went to a property in the Melton area on Friday in response to an anonymous tip about an expected cockfighting event.

They found hundreds of roosters kept in unsanitary conditions without access to water, RSPCA Victoria’s inspectorate team leader Lisa Calleja said.

“This investigation was initiated in response to a tip-off from the community that resulted in the execution of a search warrant,” Ms Calleja said in a statement.

“The results from today represent a significant disruption to an alleged illegal animal fighting ring.”

She said the RSPCA’s third large-scale investigation in a month involved multiple persons of interest and investigations were ongoing.

“We will continue to identify, pursue and prosecute people who breach animal welfare laws in Victoria and whose actions cause harm or suffering to animals,” Ms Calleja said.

“Cockfighting is an abhorrent and inherently cruel activity that leads to the severe suffering of the roosters used in this bloodsport.”

-AAP