Raid Targets Illegal Cockfighting Breeding Farm
Posted: 7:35 am PST March 7, 2008
WATSONVILLE, Calif. -- Santa Cruz County animal welfare officials have busted a farm filled with some 200 fighting cocks "pumped full of steroids" -- the latest Bay Area raid targeting the illegal industry.Animal Services field manager Todd Stosuy said the fighting cocks along with several hens and 12 chicks were seized Wednesday from a property on the 600 block of Calabasas Road outside of Watsonville.Authorities stumbled onto the illegal operation when they visited the farm to investigate a complaint about cattle neglect. The cattle were discovered in good condition, but the rooster pens were spotted nearby.The property owner, 53-year-old Felipe Ramirez Lopez, was arrested on suspicion of possession of fighting cocks, a possible felony since he has a prior 1994 conviction on the charge.Stosuy said the bird will likely be euthanized."These birds are so conditioned, pumped full of steroids, pumped full of vitamins," Stosuy told the Santa Cruz Sentinel. "They're super athletic, super aggressive. Most can't be adopted out to the general public... Most do have to be euthanized due to their aggressive nature."
Copyright 2008 by KTVU.com. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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