California crackdown on cockfighting leads to 3,500 roosters euthanized

Authorities in San Bernardino, California, have conducted a major operation targeting cockfighting, resulting in 56 arrests and the seizure of 3,500 roosters.

The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department announced on 14/8 that it had executed 26 search warrants across the county as part of "Operation Cock-A-Doodle-Doo," which ran from 14/6 to 1/8.

56 individuals aged 16 to 73 were arrested, with many residing in San Bernardino. Others came from Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Camarillo. 10 people face felony charges, while the others face misdemeanor charges such as animal cruelty.

3,500 fighting roosters were discovered during the investigation. The San Bernardino County Department of Public Health stated that the birds have been transferred to animal disposal facilities.

"Because they were bred and trained for fighting, they cannot be safely rehabilitated or re-homed. This difficult decision was made in accordance with California law and animal welfare guidelines," said Francis Delapaz, a spokesperson for the health department.

Cockfighting spurs seized during "Operation Cock-A-Doodle-Doo" in San Bernardino, California. Photo: LA Times

Cockfighting spurs seized during "Operation Cock-A-Doodle-Doo" in San Bernardino, California. Photo: LA Times

Authorities also seized over 259,000 USD in cash, 12 firearms, and approximately 11,000 USD worth of cocaine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl.

"Cockfighting is invariably linked to other illegal activities including unregulated gambling, illegal possession of firearms, drug trafficking, money laundering and corruption. Taking down a cockfighting ring is also an act of disrupting a broader wave of crime in the community," said Wayne Pacelle, president of Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy.

However, Pacelle believes California's penalties for related offenses are not strong enough to deter illegal cockfighting in the area.

"Operation Cock-A-Doodle-Doo" is the latest cockfighting crackdown in southern California. Earlier this month, federal authorities arrested and charged four people in the region for allegedly operating a cockfighting ring at a San Bernardino mansion, attracting over 100 spectators and participants per event.

According to authorities, attendees paid 20 USD to park at a lot over one kilometer away and were then shuttled to the mansion. They also paid an entrance fee.