Second Cockfighting Ring Broken Up in a Week in Riverside County

Authorities found10 dead roosters at the scene of an illegal cockfight set up in a palm date orchard in Thermal, the Riverside County Department of Animal Services reported on Monday

The cockfighting operation was discovered Saturday in a privately owned orchard between Airport Boulevard and 57th Avenue, south of Coachella Valley High School, according to agency spokesman John Welsh.

According to Welsh, Riverside County sheriff's deputies arrived at the scene amid an active cockfight and witnessed several participants flee into the surrounding orchard, with many leaving their vehicles parked near the
makeshift ring built of plywood. Two people who remained at the scene were arrested, Welsh said.

In addition to the dead roosters, animal control officers discovered two birds suffering from severe injuries -- both had to be euthanized -- as
well as 33 live roosters, he said.

Authorities also found razor-sharp steal blades called gaffs, which are typically tied to the legs of birds for use in fighting, at the scene, along with a trophy, a ledger with wins and losses tallied inside and an undisclosed amount of cash, which Welsh said was presumably part of a prize pool.

It was the second illegal cockfighting ring bust in Riverside County within a week. Another operation was discovered May 31 in the western portion
of the county, with about 130 birds seized.

Anyone who has information regarding cockfights in Riverside County is urged to call Animal Services at 951-358-7387.