7,000 Birds Seized During Largest Cockfighting Bust In California

rt.com

A staggering 7,000 birds, valued to be worth up to several million dollars, were seized on Monday during what authorities believe to be the largest cockfighting bust in the United States.

Sadly though, as they are not suitable for adoption, the confiscated roosters and hens had to be humanely killed.

“There is no sanctuary for fighting birds,” Don Barre, a spokesperson for the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control, told The Signal. “This is because they are very aggressive and cannot be housed with any other chickens.  Even the hens would attack other hens. These are not pets.”

inquisitor.com

Authorities were reportedly familiar with the property located in the Santa Clarita Valley in the northwestern part of Los Angeles County because it was also raided in 2007 when approximately 2,700 birds confiscated.

KTLA

Members of The Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles’ Disaster Animal Response Team (DART)™ and staff have also been assisting with the huge rescue and recovery operation.

spcaLA

Cockfighting paraphernalia including mobile fighting pits and a shotgun were also found at the scene as were syringes and steroids, which are often used to make the birds bigger and stronger.

According to The Signal, other animals and approximately 50 guard dogs were also found on the property.

The Signal

While the property owner has been identified, no arrests have been made as of yet.

“Cockfighting is a big business for criminals,” spcaLA President Madeline Bernstein said in a statement and call to action. “This is the part where I ask for your help. spcaLA is not government funded. There is no “parent” or “umbrella” group that provides support. For 140 years, your spcaLA has prevented cruelty to animals through generous donations from people like you.”

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