Cockfight Stopped Near Watsonville

Animal authorities broke up a cockfight on Riverside Drive in Watsonville Sunday at 8 a.m. after an anonymous report was called in to authorities.  The location of the cockfight was well hidden behind several strawberry fields and down an embankment in the woods near the Monterey County border.

When deputies arrived, suspects fled in all directions.  Animal Control Officers discovered 61 roosters dressed for cockfighting, a cockfighting ring built out of plywood and a betting table. All 61 roosters were seized as evidence, they said in a press release and it didn't seem like this was the first time fights had taken place here.

 “We are thankful for the citizen who tipped off authorities to the location of this barbaric and illegal blood sport,” states Todd Stosuy, Field Services Manager of Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter.  “There is nothing entertaining about putting small knives on roosters and betting on who will kill the other. It is callous, unethical and illegal.”

 Authorities have several leads on those involved in the cockfight, and will be continuing their investigation to determine if charges will be filed. Anyone with information on those involved in the cockfight is urged to contact Officer Todd Stosuy at 454-7254. 

 Anyone with information related to cockfights can receive up to a $5,000 reward from the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of a cockfighter.  HSUS can be reached at 1-877-TIP-HSUS

The Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter has two locations, one at 2200 7th Avenue in Santa Cruz and one at 580 Airport Boulevard in Watsonville.  The phone number is 454-7303 and website is www.scanimalshelter.org