Cockfighting - up to 75 birds seized
Phoenix, AZ (US)

Incident Date: Wednesday, Feb 4, 2009
County: Maricopa

Charges: Felony CTA
Disposition: Alleged

Alleged:
» Alfredo Ramirez Ruiz
» Jose C. Renteria

Case Updates: 1 update(s) available

The Arizona Humane Society is euthanizing more than 50 aggressive chickens and roosters in response to a major cockfighting ring broken up early Wednesday morning in South Phoenix.

Similar to dog fighting, cockfighting is big business in Arizona. Police notified the organization in the early morning hours after sectioning off property around 4040 S. Ninth St. and arresting three people allegedly part of the operation. Because these birds are bred to kill, pumped with steroids and amphetamines, they will be eradicated, officials said.

"These animals are not adoptable," said AHS Interim Executive Director Ann Harwood. "These are vicious birds."

As many as 75 birds were found at the site, fitted with gaffs that serve as little knives, tiny boxing mitts and other paraphernalia associated with cockfighting, Harwood said.

These birds will be euthanized with a lethal dose injected in the chest cavity.

AHS last month responded to another cockfighting ring in South Phoenix, where more than 30 birds were found, along with drugs and weapons.

"There's a lot of animal cruelty in this state," Harwood said. "It's a big industry."

Owners of the most brutal roosters and chickens, the top money makers, often breed them, like thoroughbreds, insuring their lineage will be passed on to offspring.

Top fighting birds can grab $500 in the underground market, Harwood said.

In Arizona, cockfighting is a Class 5 felony.

Case Updates

References

• « AZ State Animal Cruelty Map

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