17 fighting birds stuffed in nylon stockings with legs bound seized at SoCal crossing

17 fighting birds in stockings seized at border

SAN DIEGO — A man has been arrested for allegedly stuffing 17 birds into stockings, binding their legs and trying to smuggle them into Mexico for cockfights.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection says Raul Salcedo was stopped by Mexican officials as he tried to cross the border from San Diego and was sent back to the United States. Customs agents held him for San Diego County animal control officers.

Salcedo was arrested for investigation of 17 counts of animal cruelty and illegal manner of transportation.

Spokeswoman Dawn Danielson says when the birds were released, they were distressed and the hens began laying eggs to relieve pent-up pressure. She says the roosters were euthanized but the hens may be put up for adoption.