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Cockfighting in Grimes Canyon
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Monday, March 7th, 2011
Sheriff's department asks public for information
 Ventura County Sheriff's Department On March 6, 2011, at about 1010 hrs, the Sheriff’s Dispatch Center received an anonymous call reference a reported cockfighting event taking place at 1766 Grimes Canyon Rd. in the unincorporated area near Fillmore. When deputies responded to the area, suspects fled on foot leaving their gamecocks and several vehicles abandoned at the location. Upon further inspection of the area, deputies found two (2) makeshift cockfighting arenas constructed of wood with blood stained panels and feathers strewn about the arena, indicative of recent cockfighting activity. Deputies also found approximately seventy (70) live gamecocks housed individually in cardboard transport boxes, and sixteen (16) dead gamecocks with obvious injuries consistent with being fought. The dead gamecocks found at the location were killed by suspects engaged in the illegal cockfighting event and in violation of Penal Code Section 597(a) – Animal Cruelty, a felony. Major Crimes Detectives and Fillmore Area Station Detectives responded to the rural area to conduct further investigation, and found various items of cockfighting paraphernalia that were seized as evidence. Among the evidence found at the location were razor sharp fighting blades, a scale used to weigh the gamecocks, and paperwork indicative of illegal gambling activity. Due to the aggressive nature of the gamecocks found at the location, Ventura County Animal Services was called to seize the gamecocks as evidence. Many of the live gamecocks had injuries consistent with being fought, and had to be humanely euthanized. An inspection of the gamecock carcasses revealed they suffered mortal wounds and still had fighting blades affixed to their legs. No suspects were arrested at the scene. This is an on-going investigation and persons with information are asked to call Ventura County Crime Stoppers. Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477). Location: 1766 Grimes Canyon Rd., Fillmore |
