51 Cockfighting Roosters Discovered in Mead Valley

MEAD VALLEY  – Animal control officers responded to a property where illegal cockfighting roosters and illegal blades used in cockfighting were discovered.

At about 11 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 19, Animal Control Officer Denise Westbrook was in the 20600 block of Moore Street in Mead Valley investigating horses that appeared malnourished. She pressed the horses’ owners to show proof of adequate food but she did not receive cooperation.

She called the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department for assistance and two sheriff’s deputies responded quickly. As they assisted the animal control officer, the deputies also discovered illegal firearms on the property.

A man who claimed ownership of the firearms and the cockfighting roosters was arrested for possession of illegal firearms and the weapons used in cockfighting tournaments.

It is illegal to possess roosters with the intent of raising them for cockfighting, said Animal Services Lt. Chris Mayer, who was one of the officers on scene.

“Whether it’s dogs or roosters, we do not have any tolerance for any animal fighting operations in our county,” Mayer said. “Today’s efforts help to push that message further.”

Finally, Officer Westbrook ordered the horses’ owners to call a veterinary doctor within 24 hours to examine the horses. Animal Services officers will continue to monitor the horses’ health.

Contact:
John Welsh
Public Information Chief
OFFICE: 951-358-7045
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