Police and animal control officers Friday seized 101 birds they say were raised for cockfighting at a residence where authorities seized 120 birds in December that were also suspected of being used for cockfighting, according to the Hollister Police Department.
It was the second cockfighting search warrant in six months served at the same residence in the 4300 block of Fairview Road. Police in early December seized 120 roosters used for cockfighting and a total of 400 chickens from the property, police alleged. Police also have seized criminal paraphernalia there related to illegal cockfighting, according to the HPD.
The San Benito County District Attorney’s Office already filed charges against Victor Hernandez, Jesus Hernandez, Roberto Ramirez and Raul Botello Ramirez in this case, according to the HPD.
According to the statement from police:
On the morning of June 7, 2013, Hollister Police Departments Animal Care and Services Bureau, with the assistance from Hollister Police Officers and the San Benito County Sheriff’s Department, served a search warrant at a residence in the 4300 block of Fairview Road for crimes relating to cockfighting.
The search was part of an ongoing investigation into crimes relating to cockfighting at the property. As a result of the search warrant, cockfighting paraphernalia and 101 fighting cocks were located on the property. Charges will be filed with the DA’s office for violation of Penal Code 597 j – Possession of gamecocks for fighting purposes and Penal Code 597 i – Possession of implements.
This is the second such search warrant served at this address. On December 7, 2012, a search warrant was served at this property. Approximately 400 total chickens were located on the property. Over 120 roosters were specially caged and being prepared for use in cockfighting. Criminal paraphernalia related to illegal cockfighting was also collected. The San Benito County District Attorney’s Office already filed charges against Victor Hernandez, Jesus Hernandez, Roberto Ramirez and Raul Botello Ramirez in this case.
The attached image is a rooster found on the property during the search. An arrow on the image points to a spur that has been cut that is typically found only in cockfighting. All of the roosters found today had been similarly altered and appeared ready for cockfighting.
Anyone with information involving this incident or any animal fighting is urged to call the Hollister Police Departments Animal Care and Services Bureau at (831) 636-4320.
The Humane Society of the United States has a reward of up to $5000 for information on animal fighting that leads to a conviction. Persons wishing to remain anonymous may call WeTIP at (800) 78-CRIME. Information provided to WeTip may result in an award of up to $1,000.
