Hundreds of Roosters Raised for Fights Found at Fontana Home: Sheriff's Dept.

All but five of the 529 roosters found at the Fontana property were euthanized

A San Bernardino County man is accused of raising more than 500 roosters, many for illegal cockfighting, at his home.

Eugenio Carbonel, 54, was arrested at his home Monday possessing game birds for fighting and possessing cockfighting implements, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.

All but five of the 529 roosters found on Carbonel's Fontana property were euthanized, said Brian Cronin, chief of San Bernardino County Animal Care and Control. Cronin said this is standard practice when the owner does not want to pay for the animals' care while he awaits trial.

The five roosters that were spared will be used as evidence, Cronin said.

The sheriff's department said the roosters "were kept in a manner consistent with being raised and trained for cockfighting."

Authorities also found cockfighting tools, including metal gaffs, training mitts, veterinary medical supplies, wound treatment medication and fowl transport carriers, on Carbonel's property, according to investigators.

Sheriff's records indicated Carbonel was released from jail Tuesday. It was not immediately clear whether he obtained an attorney and a court date had not been scheduled.

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