Cockfighting - over 250 birds West Palm Beach, FL (US) Incident Date: Friday, May 23, 2003 County: Palm Beach Local Map: available Disposition: Alleged Alleged: » Luis Diosado Albelo - Not Charged » Roberto Lewis Albelo

Case ID: 1470 Classification: Fighting Animal: chicken View more cases in FL (US) Login to Watch this Case

"These are some of the most inhumane conditions I have ever seen for roosters," said Diane Sauve of Animal Care and Control. "There was one bird found in a shallow grave barely alive. There were a couple with broken legs."

Sauve said officers arrived at the scene Wednesday night to find more than 250 birds, some of which are barely living. Officials suspect the roosters were being used for cock fighting.

"It's obvious. You've got a situation where there are hundreds of roosters, all housed individually. The chests have been plucked. The legs have been plucked," Sauve said.

Officers said they also found a fighting ring with a timer and spurs. Animal Care and Control says the conditions are deplorable. Many of these birds barely had shelter. There was no food in their cages and their water was green or brown.

Eyewitness News 25 was told the people responsible for the birds, a father and son named Luis and Roberto Albelo, were not available for comment.

"They just raise these roosters," said Susy Albelo. "My father does not fight roosters ... All I can say is my dad breeds the animals."

Officers say they stopped counting the birds when they reached 250. All of the animals are in the process of being confiscated; all but a few will be euthanized.

Luis Albelo, one of the owners, voluntarily turned over his roosters so he won't be charged in the case. His son, Roberto, still faces animal cruelty charges.

Investigators said they will be out on the property later this week to remove the remaining roosters, but they suspect none will be left. They said they believe the roosters have already been moved to an undisclosed location.

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References

	MSNBC/Channel 25
	MSNBC/Channel 25

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