News

Released: March 8, 2013 - Friday, 02:53 PM

Cockfighting Operation

Contact: Tony CipollaPhone: (805) 781 4547Date and time of incident: 3-8-13, Approximately 8:30 AMPlace of Occurrence: 1400 Block Orchard Road, NipomoVictim Information: N/ASuspect Information: N/AOn 3-8-13, Deputies from the San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Offices, assisted by officers of the San Luis Obispo County Department of Animal Services served a search warrant at a rural property located in the 1400 block of Orchard Road in Nipomo.
The search warrant resulted from an investigation by the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Office into an alleged cockfighting ring in the Nipomo area.
Upon serving the warrant deputies discovered two large compounds that were walled off from public view that contained individual cages containing 233 roosters. Evidence collected by deputies during the search indicates that the roosters were raised and kept for the purposes of fighting them.
Possession of birds with the intent to use them in a fighting exhibition is a violation of Penal Code section 597 j (a),
a misdemeanor punishable by 6 months in county jail and/or a fine of up to $10,000.
Deputies impounded the 233 roosters as evidence while they continue the investigation and identify the suspects responsible.