Authorities arrested 28 people in Nevada after an anonymous tip led them to find an illegal cockfighting ring where deputies found 59 dead roosters in the area, the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office said.
The Lyon County Animal Services received an anonymous complaint on June 3 at about 12:41 p.m. local time in reference to suspicious activity at a residence in Silver Springs, Nevada, the sheriff’s office said in a news release Friday.
When a Lyon County deputy arrived at the location, the deputy saw a large group of people gathered around a barn wagering and holding roosters, the sheriff’s office said.
“59 deceased roosters were discovered in and around a garbage can located outside a makeshift ‘fighting’ ring,” the sheriff’s office said in the release. “All of the deceased roosters had injuries that were consistent with those sustained from bird-fighting.”
The 28 individuals are facing felony charges through the Lyon County District Attorney’s Office. No names were released.
Hawaii cockfight:Two dead, three injured after shots ring out
More than 90 roosters recovered were later euthanized
Authorities seized 96 live chickens and evidence from the property “indicating this was an organized ‘bird-fighting’ event,” the sheriff’s office said.
Of the 96 birds, two, which were severely injured, later died of injuries. Three of the birds were hens and re-homed. The remaining 91 roosters were euthanized with assistance from the Nevada Department of Agriculture, the sheriff’s office said.
Anyone with information about the incident should contact the sheriff’s office.
How does cockfighting work?
During a cockfight, chickens inflict physical trauma on each other, sometimes increased by attaching metal spurs to their legs. The combatants, dubbed gamecocks, are specially bred and conditioned for increased stamina and strength, often injected with B12 and other vitamins similar to steroids.
Contributing: USA TODAY staff
