Local authorities recently raided a large cockfight in progress on Frazier Lake Road and arrested seven suspects, according to the Hollister Police Department.
At about 9 p.m. Nov. 23, authorities stopped a cockfighting event in the 7600 block of Frazier Lake Road.
Police worked with Hollister animal control, the sheriff’s office and the California Highway Patrol in investigating the “large cockfight in progress”” in that area of San Benito County.
As police confronted the participants and while roosters continued fighting, hundreds of people fled the illegal gathering and ran into surrounding fields, according to police.
According to a police statement, animal control and the CHP seized a total of 66 roosters. Four roosters were found dead as a result of the fighting. Seven had sustained life-threatening injuries and were euthanized, and 55 live roosters were seized as evidence.
“Also seized were numerous knives that are attached to the birds during the fight,” according to the police report.
A San Martin man, listed as Agustin S. Medieta, 35, was arrested for possessing a fighting rooster and being a spectator. The CHP found him about two miles away. He was holding a fighting rooster that he claimed had followed him, according to police.
Also arrested for being spectators were Bernardino Hernandez, 68, from Salinas; Jose R. Perez, 87, from Salinas; Pedro L. Hernandez, 45, from Gilroy; Gustavo G. Perez, 44, from Menlo Park; Roberto H. Jimenez-Santiago, 19, from Morgan Hill; and Erik D. Melero Villarreal, 28, from Menlo Park. They were all cited and released for the misdemeanor crime.
Anyone with information involving this incident or any local animal fighting is urged to call the Hollister Animal Care and Services Bureau at (831) 636-4320.
According to police: 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.
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