A massive cockfighting operation was busted Sunday in Riverside County Sunday, according to sheriff’s officials.
When deputies responded to a shots-fired call in the 23800 block of Cowie Avenue in Good Hope, near Perris, authorities found 15 dead roosters, and another 131 trained to fight, reported Lt. Chris Mayer of Riverside County Animal Services.
Police found illegal gaffs, or small knives attached to the birds before fights, and a wood ring that resembled those used for cockfighting.
About 100 people tried to run from the property when police arrived, but only the property owner was detained, officials said.
Jesus Salazar, 53, was arrested for animal cruelty and illegal cockfighting after he was reportedly seen trying to stuff some of the dead roosters into a nearby trashcan.
All of the live roosters were euthanized after Salazar signed them over to five Riverside County Animal Services officers on site.
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