A cockerel left potentially blinded and covered in blood after being used in a cruel and illegal cockfight is now able to eat by himself.

But, despite widespread publicity on the cockerel - put at risk of being run over after being dumped on a country lane - the police and the RSPCA are no closer to finding the culprit who left him in this state.

The bird, named Levi Rooster by RSPCA officers, was spotted in Colney Heath Lane in St Albans by a member of the public on Monday, February 29, who informed the animal charity.

At the time, inspector Jaime Godfrey from the charity said it appeared that Levi had been blinded from having his eyes pecked at.

Also, his chest and the front of his legs were raw and sore and the top of his wings were injured, from being rubbed on a cage.

The RSPCA inspector told the Herts Advertiser this week: “Levi is still on a cocktail of medication but is doing well. He is now able to eat by himself and has opened one of his eyes.

“Investigations are ongoing in this case and we are working alongside Herts Police.”

In an update from the branch caring for Levi, Jamie added that the bird had been seen again by the vet on Wednesday (March 9).

A spokeswoman for Herts Police said that the force was aware of the incident, however, “At present there are no lines of enquiry for officers to follow up but we will of course act on any information received, as appropriate.”

Jaime Godfrey said that Levi’s “injuries are indicative of cockfighting.”

Apart from injuries to his eyes, his spurs were also cut off from the back of his legs.

RSPCA inspector Mike Butcher said this was “probably to fit a metal spur so it could inflict maximum damage to the opponent’s bird during a cockfight.”

Mike, a member of the charity’s special operations unit which tackles blood sports like cockfighting, said: “We suspect this bird was probably involved in an organised fight and was injured in the barbaric ‘sport’ of cockfighting which continues despite being made illegal in 1835.”

It is hoped he will regain sight in his eyes once his inflamed facial injuries subside.

The RSPCA is still seeking information on the cockerel, particularly on how he ended up on the lane, or whether there is a chance Levi has been stolen from someone.

Please contact the charity’s inspectorate appeal line on 0300 123 8018.