Cockfighting - over 140 birds
Chaparral, NM (US)Incident Date: Saturday, Dec 22, 2007
County: Otero
Charges: Misdemeanor
Disposition: Alleged
Case Images: 2 files available
Alleged:
» Armando Gutierrez
» Leobardo Salguero
» Rene Antillon
» Francisco Maese
Case Updates: 2 update(s) available
The Otero County Sheriff's office raided a property and broke up an alleged cockfighting ring.
The residence -- which is located in the 700 block of Hermosa -- was raided early Saturday afternoon.
Dozens of armed deputies stormed the residence to execute a search warrant. "We got some tips. Once we executed the search warrant, we found some evidence of cockfighting," said Norbert Sanchez, Otero County Under Sheriff.
Sanchez said investigators found large sums of money and between 50 and 60 roosters believed to be used for cockfighting.
The raid was the result of a week long investigation, Sanchez said. At this point, the owner of the residence, and several individuals who were inside the house when the raid took place, have only been issued citations.
Heather Greenhood of the Animal protection of New Mexico said, "we had two separate informants call us about the activity occurring at this location. We knew that there was going to be a cockfight happening here today."
Once the fighting started several agencies including the Dona Ana and Otero County Sheriff made their move. They untied animals from their restrains and handed out tickets.
Those who live in this area, like Dino Anastasio said this bust was long overdue.
"To these people it doesn't matter that an animal is being killed. All that matters to them is that they are making money," Anastacio said.
Those who participate in cockfights said they grew up around it and consider it a sport.
"I have been here since I was 5 years old and I haven't seen any animal cruelty. That is just something sporty. If you guys think you are going to shut us down, we are going to do it anyway. This is what we have fun with," said a woman who did not want to be identified.
Fun or not cockfighting is illegal.
"Hopefully they will treat this like child abuse. They are abusing animals," Anastacio said.
The people who were watching the fight will not face any charges. The six people participating are facing misdemeanor charges punishable by a year in jail or up to a $1,000 fine.
Case UpdatesThe Otero County Sheriff's Department Wednesday released the names of four people who were cited after a large-scale cockfighting raid in Chaparral Friday evening. The raid involved more than 100 officers and resulted in the confiscation of 144 roosters, more than $22,000 in cash and other paraphernalia related to the illegal sport.
More citations are expected as the investigation continues.
The four issued citations on the scene are Armando Gutierrez, 34, Leobardo Salguero, 54, Rene Antillon, 51, and Francisco Maese, 50, all residents of Chaparral.
"We received a call from Do-a Ana Sheriff's Department on Friday," said Undersheriff Norbert Sanchez. "They told us there was going to be a cockfighting Christmas Derby in Chaparral. We then received a second call from the New Mexico Attorney General's Animal Cruelty Task Force. Based on this information, we were able to obtain a search warrant at 704 Hermosa in Chaparral."
Sanchez said the Otero County Sheriff's Department received information that there easily could have been more than 100 participants at the derby.
"Officers from all over the state were involved with the raid," he said. "This included officers from the Humane Society."
Prior to serving the warrant, Sanchez said people began to flee the area in all directions. Once the area was secured, a total of 144 roosters were seized. Of the 144, six were shipped to Albuquerque Animal Control.
"A total of 138 roosters had to be euthanized," Sanchez said. "The were all examined by a veterinarian and a forensics expert. The vet said they would not have survived in captivity in their condition because they were so shot up with steroids and amphetamines to enhance performance."
Deputies also seized syringes, spurs used on the roosters, computers and other paraphernalia that all showed evidence of cockfighting.
"We also seized $22,000 in cash and ledgers that showed evidence of gambling," Sanchez said.
A second search warrant was served on an adjoining residence.
"More cockfighting evidence was recovered on these premises," Sanchez said. "In addition, a vehicle was seized that contained more evidence related to cockfighting."
Sanchez said the sheriff's department will most likely be issuing more citations as the investigation continues following what he termed "a successful raid."
"Because of the limited personnel we have that serve the entire county, this operation would not have been possible without assistance from the Attorney General's Animal Cruelty Task Force," he said. "We are also very grateful to the other agencies that helped us, which included Boles Acres Fire and Rescue, Dungan Fire and Rescue, American Medical Response and a helicopter from MedEvac that was standing by in Orogrande.
"We had over 100 officers on scene," Sanchez said. "This included law enforcement and animal control officers."
New Mexico was the second-to-last state to ban cockfighting, after a bill was signed by Gov. Bill Richardson in March of this year.
The El Paso Times Monday quoted John Goodwin of the Humane Society of the United States as stating the Chaparral pit is the third-largest in the state. | Source: Alamogordo Daily News - Dec 27, 2007
Update posted on Dec 29, 2007 - 12:10AM |
Authorities said they euthanized a total of 136 roosters after a cockfighting raid this past weekend in Chaparral, NM.
Six roosters were shipped to animal control authorities in Albuquerque, N.M.
The Otero County undersheriff said his office received calls about a cockfight this past Saturday and obtained a search warrant based on the calls.
He said people fled in all directions when officers arrived. Four men were cited.
Deputies also confiscated $22,000, spurs used on roosters and other paraphernalia.
New Mexico banned cockfighting this past June. | Source: KFOX - Dec 28, 2007
Update posted on Dec 29, 2007 - 12:08AM |
References
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