Cockfighting Task Force Busts Large-Scale Desert Operation
Officials in San Bernardino County are cracking down on the illegal sport of cockfighting. Sunday's raid resulted in dozens of arrests along with the seizure of nearly 100 live roosters and $21,000 in gambling funds.
San Bernardino County Sheriff Rod Hoops told Loma Linda Patch, "Our Rural Crimes Task Force is committed to investigating agriculture related crimes and animal abuse. We will not allow this blood sport to flourish in the county of San Bernardino." Days before the raid, police "released a video of roosters slashing at each other with steel blades attached to their legs," according to the Huffington Post.
On Sunday morning, police raided a large-scale High Desert cockfighting operation in Baldy Mesa in the 9000 block of Hollister Road. A cockfight was in progress in a barn at the rear of the property with more than 300 people in attendance.
While most of the spectators and 62-year-old property owner Fernando Hernandez fled, 47 people were arrested on felony and misdemeanor charges for animal cruelty, cockfighting and animal fighting spectator. The majority of arrestees were spectators, though six people were booked for investigation of animal cruelty. Police are on the hunt for Hernandez.
Police uncovered about 20 dead roosters and seized 92 live birds and $21,000.
