LEE COUNTY, Fla. - The same forensic veterinarian that worked on the Michael Vick dog fighting case has said that hundreds of birds seized as a result of Florida's largest cockfighting operation will have to be euthanized.

"There's no anesthesia used, they're restrained and then they're just cut with all different types of implements, so that is extremely painful that they've suffered through," said Dr. Melinda Merck.

Investigators have decided to put the birds down after previous efforts to rehabilitate fighting birds have failed.

Pedro Lopez and William Roman were arrested for breeding and fighting the birds at their Fort Myers homes.

Doctors say these men would mercilessly cut the birds combs and waddles in efforts to prevent bleeding during a fight.

The roosters are also believed to have been equipped with razor sharp spurs and gaffes attached to their legs - allowing them to inflict deadly cuts or puncture their opponents' lungs.

Doctors say after the fights, if the birds survived, they wouldn't be stitched up or treated.