Merced County deputies break up large cockfighting operation, seize dozens of birds

Animals and various items were seized by Merced County deputies who broke up a recent large-scale cockfighting operation at a Merced County residence.

At about 9 a.m. Sunday deputies responded to home east of Merced in the 700 block of North Arboleda Drive where they located the cockfighting operation, according to Deputy Daryl Allen.

Deputies were alerted of the location after people in the area reported they believed fighting was taking place and had observed people walking around with boxes of live birds.

Multiple people took off running while carrying large rooster crates as deputies arrived on scene, according to a Merced County Sheriff’s Office news release.

Authorities said the fights between the roosters are usually accompanied by people who make cash bets on the fight. “Typically what happens in these, people show up with roosters that have been trained to fight,” Allen said.

According to Allen, spurs are attached to the rooster’s feet, causing them to slash each other when they fight. The losing bird typically dies.

Deputies located 37 birds on site, which were confiscated by animal control officers. Allen said those birds will most likely go to either a sanctuary or be adopted by local farmers.

Deputies said they usually see cockfighting operations in the Merced area as many four to six times a year. “We have been out there for the same kind of complaints before,” said Allen.

Additionally, deputies located multiple items including scales and spurs, which authorities say are consistent with large-scale cockfighting operations.

Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact the Merced County Sheriff’s Office Detectives Bureau at 209-385-7472. According to authorities, callers can remain anonymous.

This story was originally published April 5, 2022 at 12:40 PM.