FLORENCE, S.C. - Most of the chickens seized during a cockfighting raid earlier this month in Chesterfield County have been returned to their owners, Sheriff Sam Parker said.

Deputies didn't want to return the animals, but had no choice because the county didn't have the money or ability to shelter and feed the dozens of birds, Parker said.

"It's a high-dollar industry," said Parker of the chickens that can sell for as much as $3,000. "Considering how much they're worth, I'm sure their owners are going to take adequate care of them."

About 80 people were arrested Saturday when deputies raided a wooded area near McBee.

Deputies found about 100 chickens at the site. Thirteen of them were dead and another eight went unclaimed.

Investigators took pictures of the birds before returning them, the sheriff said.

Cockfighting remains a misdemeanor in South Carolina with a maximum punishment of 30 days in jail and a $100 fine. That means the cases will likely be handled in magistrate court, prosecutor Jay Hodge said.

Spectators were charged $20 and anyone who wanted to fight a chicken had to pay $200, Parker said.

The suspected ringleaders of the cockfight have not cooperated with investigators, the sheriff said.