Cockfighting - 100 birds, injured horse seized
Mira Loma, CA (US)Incident Date: Tuesday, Feb 15, 2011
County: Riverside
Charges: Felony CTA
Disposition: Alleged
Case Images: 4 files available
Alleged: Francisco Javier Ponce
A Mira Loma man was arrested Tuesday after Riverside County Animal Services was called in to euthanize an injured horse and more than 100 cockfighting roosters.
Francisco Javier Ponce, 40, was taken into custody on suspicion of felony animal cruelty. Animal Services officers arrested Ponce at his home in the 6000 block of Marlatt Street, after failing to provide veterinary care for a horse that was suffering from ruptured tendons in its back right leg, said John Welsh, spokesman for Riverside County Animal Services.
The injuries to the animal were so severe, Riverside County Animal Services chief veterinarian was called in to euthanize the horse, Welsh said.
During the animal cruelty investigation, Animal Services officers discovered more than 100 cockfighting roosters, which are illegal in the state. Cockfighting paraphernalia was also found including blades used in cockfights, Welsh said. Possession of these types of blades can be prosecuted as a misdemeanor in Riverside County Superior Court.
Because the Western Riverside County/City Animal Shelter does not adopt fighting birds, all of the roosters would have to be humanely euthanized, Welsh said.
Ponce was booked at the Robert Presley Detention Center by Riverside County sheriff's deputies.
The case will presented to the Riverside County District Attorney's office as a felony animal cruelty matter, Welsh said. References« CA State Animal Cruelty Map
« More cases in Riverside County, CA
|
