Authorities arrested 28 people in Nevada after an anonymous tip led them to an illegal cockfighting ring where deputies found 59 dead roosters, the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office said.
Lyon County Animal Services received an anonymous complaint June 3 about suspicious activity at a residence in Silver Springs, 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 people 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, died of injuries. Three of the birds were hens and were rehomed. 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?
In a cockfight, the birds inflict physical trauma on one another, sometimes with metal spurs attached 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