Large AV cockfighting ring disbanded

LITTLEROCK – More than 250 birds were seized when authorities raided an alleged cockfighting operation in Littlerock last week.

The search warrant was served around 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 22 at 34230 90th Street East, according to a press release from the Sheriff’s Headquarters Bureau.

According to the press release:

Animal Control officers found 279 birds at the location.

The birds were examined and 239 were found to have their combs and waddles removed, and they also had their rear feathers removed for cooling the birds.

This is only done to birds that are used for fighting. The remaining 40 birds were hens, which were used for breeding.

Animal Control seized all 279 birds.

Additional evidence seized as a result of the search warrant included a 20 gauge shotgun, shotgun ammunition, fighting gaffs (razor blades), training gaffs and medicines used to treat the fighting roosters.

A suspect has been identified and the case will be presented to the Office of the Los Angeles County District Attorney for consideration of criminal filing, including Possession of Fighting Birds; 597j(a) CA Penal Code.

The operation was conducted by deputies from the Community Oriented Services Bureau (COPS), Antelope Valley Team, with assistance from Los Angeles County Animal Control, Los Angeles County Fire Department and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (A.S.P.C.A.).

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s COPS Bureau at 323-627-8137. To remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.

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