Almost 1,200 birds believed to used for cockfighting were discovered today by a multi-agency task force led by The Southeast Area Animal Control Authority (SEAACA) of Downey.
After Montebello Code Enforcement officers serving an inspection warrant discovered evidence of cockfighting on the premises, the task force led by SEAACA, with assistance from The Humane Society of the United States, the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, and Montebello police and fire, was able to execute a search warrant and uncover what appeared to be multiple cockfighting operations on the four-acre property on South Bluff Road.
“When Montebello Code Enforcement let us know that they had discovered signs of cockfighting on the property, SEAACA was able to quickly secure an expanded search warrant and coordinate this multi-agency effort,” said Capt. Aaron Reyes of SEAACA. “An arrest was made and citations issued, and we began the process of assessing and documenting the hundreds of fighting birds and hens on the 4-acre property. We are now concentrating on locating the many other individuals who have been implicated as being involved in this complex of fighting rings, coops and training areas.”
“Cockfighting enterprises drag down entire communities and relegate untold thousands of roosters to brutal injuries and deaths in the ring,” said Eric Sakach, senior law enforcement specialist for The HSUS. Sakach, an animal fighting expert with more than 30 years of experience, assisted in the identification of potential evidence. “The Humane Society of the United States commends the Southeast Area Animal Control Authority for taking allegations of animal fighting crimes seriously and quickly assembling the task force that raided this massive cockfighting complex.”
The HSUS offers rewards of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of any person involved in illegal animal fighting. Anyone with information about animal fighting criminals is asked to call 877-TIP-HSUS (877-4787). Your identity will be protected.
Enviroshop is maintained by dedicated NetSys Interactive Inc. owners & employees who generously contribute their time to maintenance & editing, web design, custom programming, & website hosting for Enviroshop.