OPERATION Matador, the Garda operation aimed at preventing cattle smuggling across the Border, is also curbing activities of cockfighters operating in the Border areas.
It is understood the increased frequency of Garda patrols in remote areas in Co Cavan has forced cockfighting enthusiasts to move their traditional locations to areas away from the Border.
Cockfighting has a strong following in the Border region where it is organised on a weekly basis at county level. These areas are also home to the Irish Game Cock, a breed of fowl favoured for its fighting abilities.
The cockfighting season traditionally starts on Easter Sunday and ends on August 31st when the National Cockfighting Derby takes place at a secret location, usually on the Border.
Although the final is normally held in the Redhills area, enthusiasts have moved the fixture because of increased Garda activity around the area.
The Dublin Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (DSPCA) has received anonymous reports about cockfighting in Co Cavan in the past two weeks.
Ms Therese Cunningham, a DSPCA spokeswoman, said. "The DSPCA has received information from people who refused to identify themselves for their own safety on cockfighting. These claimed that cockfighters were travelling from Britain, Northern Ireland and the midlands to participate in cockfights staged in the Coothill area of Cavan.
"They also claimed that the semi finals of the Irish Cockfighting Derby are currently taking place and the final will be held some time towards the end of August," Ms Cunningham added.