Cockfighting - 200 birds discovered Lorain, OH (US) Incident Date: Sunday, Jul 29, 2007 County: Lorain Local Map: available Disposition: Alleged Charges: Misdemeanor Alleged: Felix A Rosario

Case ID: 11988 Classification: Fighting, Neglect / Abandonment Animal: chicken View more cases in OH (US) Login to Watch this Case

On July 29, 2007, six Lorain County Sheriff's deputies swooped into a lot on a dead- end street in Sheffield Town ship and caught about 40 men whooping it up, a beer in one hand, the other clenched in a fist, punching the air around a fighting ring.

The deputies found "malnourished, underweight, uncared-for" birds, some with bald patches, their report said. And those were the lucky ones. The deputies were too late to help three roosters "covered in blood, dying," with their eyes swollen shut. "Dead chicken parts" were scattered about. Deputies found nine metal spurs, which are attached to roosters' legs to make the fighting more gruesome and more deadly in less time. They found hypodermic needles and drugs, including steroids and KeepAde, which the label claims "enhances chicken muscle."

About 200 birds remain at the Lowell Avenue property owned by Felix A. Rosario, 83. He is charged with animal cruelty, which can mean 90 days in jail, and animal fighting, which can mean 30 days. Deputy Mark Bungard's report said he asked Rosario if he fights his animals. "Well, you know, we like to have a little fun," Rosario replied. Rosario did not return a phone call.

Lorain County deputies confiscated 42 weak or injured birds, which are being cared for at Happy Trails Farm Animal Sanctuary in Ravenna. For more information: happytrailsfarm.org, 330-296-5914.
Director Annette Fisher said, "All of them were extremely thin, hungry and fearful. When they realized we weren't going to hurt them and they weren't being thrown into a fight, many settled down comfortably in my arms. "One reddish brown rooster softly laid his head on my shoulder as I carried him to the rescue trailer. I named him Hemingway. I am convinced that Hemingway is a quiet soul who really doesn't want to fight any more."

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References

The Plain Dealer - August 12, 2007

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