Over 200 Roosters Seized in Southern California Cockfighting Bust

Authorities in San Bernardino County, California, dismantled a large-scale cockfighting operation in mid-January 2025, uncovering hundreds of fighting roosters, firearms, and gambling money. The raid revealed a carefully orchestrated underground operation complete with a fighting ring and scoreboard. With arrests made and evidence collected, law enforcement is sending a strong message that this cruel and illegal activity won’t be tolerated.

Suspects Arrested After Attempt to Evade Police

Deputies from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department were alerted to illegal cockfighting on the morning of Jan. 19, 2025. When they arrived at the property in Yucaipa, California, they found approximately 50 vehicles and numerous individuals trying to flee the scene. One suspect, later identified as 33-year-old Riverside resident Jose Adame, allegedly drove his vehicle directly at a patrol car, narrowly missing a deputy, as reported by KTLA 5. After a brief pursuit, Adame and three passengers were successfully stopped and arrested. Live roosters were reportedly found in the back of the vehicle, which was later impounded.

KTLA5 reports another suspect, 35-year-old Carlos Romero of Perris, was found hiding in his truck on the property. Deputies discovered a Ruger semi-automatic handgun, cash, and seven live roosters inside the vehicle.

Both men now face animal cruelty charges, with Adame also facing charges of assault with a deadly weapon, as reported by KTLA 5.

Gruesome Evidence Seized by Deputies

On the property, authorities discovered a large-scale cockfighting operation with a scoreboard and steel talons used for the fights, where an estimated 250 roosters had been kept. According to Fox 11, animal control officers recovered 17 dead roosters, seized eight live roosters, and tagged another 61 boxed roosters for evidence. A search of the property also revealed 24 firearms stored in a safe and a significant amount of cash believed to be tied to illegal gambling.

The Broader Consequences of Cockfighting

Cockfighting has been illegal in California since 1905, but it remains a persistent issue, particularly in rural areas like San Bernardino County. Beyond the animal cruelty involved, these operations often include illegal gambling and violence, posing risks to public health and safety. According to Fox 11 Los Angeles, the Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy released a statement in which Wayne Pacelle, president of Animal Wellness Action, said “Cockfighting is a crime of animal cruelty, bound up with illegal gambling, drugs, and violence that tears apart our safe communities. The illegal sport is a breeding ground for avian influenza, known as bird flu that poses risk to human health, and we should exhibit no tolerance for this vicious crime.”

San Bernardino County has additional ordinances restricting the number of roosters allowed on a property to deter cockfighting. Authorities continue to enforce these laws to combat this widespread form of animal cruelty.

Cracking Down on Animal Cruelty

The recent bust in San Bernardino County highlights the ongoing effort to eradicate cockfighting in California. By targeting large-scale operations and enforcing local ordinances, authorities are working to protect animals and communities from the dangers of this cruel and illegal activity. While the problem persists in some areas, high-profile raids like this one demonstrate a commitment to shutting down these inhumane and exploitative operations.

References: 250 roosters, guns, cash seized in Southern California cockfighting bust | Deputies Respond to Residence and Uncover Illegal Cock Fighting Ring; Two People Taken into Custody and Numerous Roosters Seized | 250+ roosters seized in California cockfighting ring bust