VCS Deputies unwelcome guests at
cockfight near SP, three arrested

May 22, 2015
Santa Paula News

Ventura County Sheriff’s Deputies were  unwelcome guests when they showed up at an early morning cockfight being held Sunday west of Santa Paula.

Three people—two men and one teenager— were arrested about 7:20 a.m. at the ranch where deputies interrupted the cockfight in an orchard on the 14900 block of West Telegraph Road. The arrival of deputies scattered the crowd that had gathered for the fight but although the group took off on foot and in vehicles, deputies were able to detain three subjects.

Deputies found 47 live roosters and one dead bird; they also discovered evidence that gambling had taken place at the fight.

In addition, deputies found the implements that are placed on the birds—such as sharp spurs—for a match.

The three were arrested for suspicion of various charges related to cockfighting including possession of the implements used on the birds for fighting as well as cruelty to animals.

In August 2012 Santa Paula Police Detectives were investigating a murder when they came across a cockfight in the same general location. When officers searched the ranch they found 540 birds, including roosters, chickens, quail and pheasants, along with cockfighting paraphernalia such as spurs, syringes and vitamins. Some of the birds were dead and others were near death and suffering from malnutrition; most had to be euthanized at the scene.

In January 2010 about 1,000 roosters were euthanized and 16 people arrested near Oxnard after investigators broke up a large cockfighting ring. Authorities also have broken up other large cockfighting operations in the Santa Clara River Valley: in late 2007 more than 1,000 roosters were found near the Todd Road Jail southwest of Santa Paula.

The investigation into Sunday’s incident is continuing.





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