Fighting cocks found at Moorpark residence
By Sylvie Belmond belmond@theacorn.com

A Moorpark couple was cited on March 18 for allegedly possessing fighting gamecocks.

Moorpark Animal Control Officer Loc Tran was licensing a dog in the 600 block of Virginia Colony Place when he became aware of the presence of 31 roosters that appeared linked to cockfighting, according to Mark Westerline, another animal control officer in Moorpark.

Cockfighting is a centuries-old blood sport in which two or more specially bred birds are placed in an enclosure to fight. People fight gamecocks for gambling and entertainment purposes, according to the Humane Society.

A cockfight can last anywhere from several minutes to more than half an hour. The birds involved in the fight cannot escape, regardless of how exhausted or severely injured they become.

"Generally when the birds are fought, they are fought to death. There's no true winner; it's just that one outlasts the other a little longer," said Detective Ray Dominguez, who works for the Ventura County Sheriff's Agricultural Crime Unit.

Four of the roosters, found in cages on the property in Moorpark, were impounded at the Camarillo shelter as evidence. The remaining roosters were tagged, photographed and left at the site. Officers also found 23 hens both in cages and free ranging.

Domiguez cited the couple who owns the property for possessing fighting cocks.

"Typically it's a misdemeanor and the district attorney will handle the penalty, which could include jail time, fines and/or probation," he said.

In addition to committing animal cruelty, individuals involved in cockfighting are also involved in illegal gambling. Also, authorities have documented a strong connection between cockfighting and the distribution of illegal drugs, Domiguez said.

If the owners are found guilty in court, the roosters will probably have to be euthanized because they are too aggressive for adoption.

Cases involving dogfighting and cockfighting have increased over the past year due to greater awareness of the issue since Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick was indicted in 2007 on charges of operating a dogfighting ring.

People who suspect such activities have been reporting their concerns to authorities more often, Domiguez said.