Cockfighting - approximately 100 birds seized Phoenix, AZ (US) Incident Date: Sunday, Jan 16, 2005 County: Maricopa Local Map: available Disposition: Alleged Abuser names unreleased

Case ID: 3599 Classification: Fighting Animal: chicken View more cases in AZ (US) Login to Watch this Case

An anonymous tip led Phoenix police to what is believed to be a cockfighting ring and training area in south Phoenix, police officials said. About 100 roosters in cages were found at a house near Seventh Street and Broadway Road, said Melissa Gable, spokeswoman for the Arizona Humane Society. Three roosters were dead and three were injured.

Three men, who are believed to be the organizer, trainer and one who was covered in rooster blood, were questioned and released, Sgt. Keith Politte said. Another man was arrested on an unrelated charge.

Police, who were unable to make arrests because they didn't personally see fighting, estimate that between 60 and 70 people were on the property when police arrived. Most scattered in all directions, jumping a fence that lines the property, leaving their vehicles parked.

Beer bottles, razor blades to be tied to the birds' legs and steroid syringes were strewn about. The dead and injured birds were seized by the Humane Society on Sunday. The rest of the roosters were going to be picked up today, Gable said.

Miguel Romo, who owns the house and empty lot, said he didn't know roosters were being raised on his property.

It is a felony to raise roosters for the intention of fighting. It is a misdemeanor to attend a cockfight.

The two men renting the house called Romo on Sunday to get his permission to have a barbecue, he said.

"I didn't know this was happening," Romo said. "But (cockfighting) is a tradition in Mexico. It's not going to end."

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AZCentral - Jan 17, 2005

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