 Fighting - 104 birds, 6 dogs seized
Olathe, CO (US)Incident Date: Tuesday, Sep 11, 2001
County: Montrose
Local Map: available
Disposition: Alleged
Alleged: Osbaldo Perez Madrid
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Montrose County investigators have seized 104 roosters and six pit bulls in suspected animal-fighting operations, which they say could be widespread. Investigators said they found 37 roosters and animal-fighting paraphernalia when searching an Olathe-area home Sept. 11, 2001. "There's definitely much more, and not just in our county. I would venture to say it's a major problem all over the state," said Bill Smith, a detective with the sheriff's office.
Investigators said informants have told them some fight organizers have made more than $15,000 in a weekend. Some of the roosters were groomed for fighting. The roosters' combs and wattles were sliced off, a common practice, because the fleshy appendages can be grabbed during fights. Some of the birds had scars from past fights. Investigators also found razor-blade spurs that are strapped on birds during fights, and drugs used to make the birds more aggressive, Smith said.
Osbaldo Perez-Madrid was arrested on suspicion of possessing animals for fighting and possessing fighting paraphernalia. Several days later, acting on an informant's tip, detectives seized 27 birds, including 18 more fighting roosters, from a home in Olathe.
They seized four fighting roosters at a nearby house when they heard the birds crowing. The owner hasn't been located.
Detectives also seized 42 fighting roosters and six pit bulls at two homes outside Olathe. Smith said two people are under investigation. Investigators said the dogs had their ears cut off close to their skulls, a common practice when dogs are used for fighting.
The dogs are in an animal shelter. All the roosters were destroyed because they will attack other birds once they are trained to fight.
Smith said the sheriff's office has more leads on fighting operations and expects to make more arrests Neighborhood MapFor more information about the Interactive Animal Cruelty Maps, see the map notes.
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