Cockfighting - 13 birds seized Wapello, IA (US) Incident Date: Tuesday, Nov 22, 2005 County: Louisa Local Map: available Disposition: Alleged Alleged: » Edgar Izaguirre Garza » Jose Perez

Case ID: 6217 Classification: Fighting Animal: chicken View more cases in IA (US) Drugs or alcohol involved Login to Watch this Case

A Wapello man was arrested November 22, 2005 for his alleged part in illegal cockfighting, according to the Louisa County Sheriff�s office.

Sheriff Curt Braby said this was the County�s first arrest he could recall that dealt with cockfighting. �It�s the first one we�ve covered that I�m aware of, but I do not believe (cockfighting) is rare,� he said. �I think there�s probably a lot more of it going on than anyone is aware of.�

According to a Louisa County Sheriff�s press release, the Sheriff�s office executed a search warrant at the home of Edgar Garza, 28, on County Road 61 in Wapello. The Sheriff�s office was assisted by the Washington tactical unit, the Iowa State Patrol, the state Division of Criminal Investigation, the state Division of Narcotics Enforcement and the Humane Society of the United States.

Garza was charged with driving under suspension and violation of the animal contest statutes, which is a Class S felony.

Another man was arrested at the scene and gave an Oklahoma City, Okla., address. Jose Perez, 50, was charged with possession of a controlled substance.

Both men posted bond and were released pending an initial court appearance. Braby could not give specific amounts for the men�s bond, but estimated Garza�s at more than $10,000 and Perez�s significantly lower than $10,000.

Law enforcement officials seized 13 chickens, including nine fighting roosters and items associated with fighting roosters. Braby said fighting roosters could be identified by their behavior and appearance. �They generally dock the spurs and cut off the combs and the waddles,� he said. �Some were scarred like they had been fighting.�

The seized chickens were examined by veterinarians from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. The veterinarians also took swabs from the chickens to test for communicable avian diseases. Braby said the search was the result of community residents� reports about suspicious activity and cockfighting that led to a two-week investigation.

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References

Muscatine Journal - November 24, 2005

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