Fillmore cock fight busted, 18 people arrested as dozens flee the scene

April 26, 2002
Santa Paula News

For the second time a major cockfight was broken up by Ventura County Sheriff’s deputies in the area of Balcom Canyon and South Mountain roads, leading to the arrests of 18 people from four counties and one Nevada man.

By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesFor the second time a major cockfight was broken up by Ventura County Sheriff’s deputies in the area of Balcom Canyon and South Mountain roads, leading to the arrests of 18 people from four counties and one Nevada man.The illegal cock fight was busted on Sunday, April 21 in Fillmore, after deputies observed numerous cars heading into and already parked in an orchard near the scene of the cock fight, according to VCSD Sgt. Mike Home.The secluded orchard, located at the northeast corner of Balcom Canyon and South Mountain roads, was found to contain over 30 vehicles.As VCSD Sr. Deputy Furlong and Deputy Bellissimo neared the vehicles, “they saw dozens of people - men, women and young children - running from the area,” said Sgt. Home.Ultimately, 18 people were arrested who had traveled to the cock fight from Ventura, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara and Riverside counties. Many of the arrests were accomplished by deputies who staked out the parked vehicles and waited for the owners to come back.
Deputies found 59 roosters on scene; 51 of the birds appeared to be healthy but four five were injured and three dead from slash wounds sustained during a cock fight.Also found was a portable 20-foot-diameter wooden arena used solely for fighting cocks, scales to weigh the birds and knives used to attach to the birds’ legs to be used during the fight.A similar cock fight was busted several years ago in the same general area.The 18 suspects in the latest incident were cited for various violations, said Sgt. Home, including possession of fighting cocks, illegal possession of the leg knives and attending an illegal cock fight.



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