More than 600 chickens believed used for cockfighting seized in Southern Calif. raid

More than 600 chickens seized in Calif. raid

YUCAIPA, Calif. — Sheriff’s deputies have seized more than 600 chickens that authorities believe were being trained for cockfighting from a Southern California property.

Authorities say deputies seized about 400 roosters and 200 hens Tuesday morning at the residence in Yucaipa in San Bernardino County. The property owners were not there at the time.

Investigators believe the birds were going to be sold in Mexico to compete in cockfighting derbies. Humane Society of the United States law enforcement specialist Eric Sakach says the operation had been written about in a cockfighting magazine.

Deputies and animal control officers were acting on a tip from the Humane Society. Sheriff Rod Hoops says his Rural Crimes Task Force “will not allow this blood sport to flourish.”