Animal control officers seized more than 500 chickens at three locations on Thursday, including one in North County that officials said were part of a suspected cockfighting ring.
Authorities converged on a 17-acre property on Rincon Ranch Road in Pauma Valley, where they found roosters groomed for illegal cockfighting. The county released photos of some of the birds and hundreds of small knives that are attached to the birds used in the sport.
Officers also raided a home in Fullerton and a Mexican restaurant in Anaheim.
"Cockfighting is a brutal blood sport that has no place in a civilized society," Director of the County Department of Animal Services Dawn Danielson said. "We will actively investigate any reports of this cruel and barbaric activity and pursue criminal prosecution of anyone involved."
All three properties are owned by a 66-year old man who could face felony animal cruelty charges.
