Cockfighting - estimated 500 birds
Sacramento, CA (US)Incident Date: Thursday, Jul 8, 2004
County: Sacramento
Disposition: Alleged
Case Images: 2 files available
Abuser names unreleased
Sacramento County sheriff's deputies busted an alleged cockfighting ring, finding hundreds of birds on the compound.
The compound was raided on Short Road, just north of Calvine Road.
The sheriff's department said that deputies responded to a domestic dispute call Wednesday night, but that it turned into much more. Officials said it was one of Sacramento County's largest cockfighting busts ever. An estimated 500 roosters were bred and drugged to be prize-winning cockfighters, according to authorities.
"We found training paraphernalia, sparring muffs, various drugs that are used to enhance fighting, steroids, as well as suture kits, medical supplies used to sew the birds up after combats," said West Coast Human Society spokesman Eric Sakach.
The alleged underground cockfighting ring is believed to have been in operation for years. The street value of the seized birds is expected to easily top tens of thousands of dollars.
Authorities said two people have been arrested and three others cited for their alleged role in the cockfights.
The sheriff's department said that it has shut down a ring that brings in up to $90,000 a fight night and shows no regard for animals.
"As soon as one bird quits fighting, the fight's over, and that bird is just tossed out. We've seen fights where you'll have 50, 100 dead birds laying on the ground, you know, just dying," said Sacramento County Animals Control spokeswoman Pat Claerbout.
Authorities said that those cited in the bust only face misdemeanor charges, and that cockfighting is becoming a major problem in Sacramento County. References« CA State Animal Cruelty Map
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