Hundreds of birds seized in cockfighting raids in Southern California
By APThursday, May 20, 2010
Hundreds of birds seized in cockfighting raids
ESCONDIDO, Calif. — Authorities say San Diego County animal service officers have seized about 500 birds believed to be bred for cockfighting from a property north of Escondido.
Search warrants also were served Thursday at a home in Fullerton and at a restaurant in Anaheim in Orange County.
Animal services spokesman Dan DeSousa says all three properties are owned by a 66-year-old man and are believed to be part of the same operation.
Authorities say they also seized hundreds of knives, which can be attached to the fighting birds’ legs. Cockfighting trophies and photographs were seized at the Anaheim restaurant.
DeSousa says the birds will have to be euthanized because of their trained aggressiveness.
The case will be submitted to prosecutors once the investigation is completed.
Information from: The San Diego Union-Tribune, www.signonsandiego.com
