What began as an animal-at-large call in Evans turned into the arrest of three men and the discovery of what appeared to be an illegal cock-fighting ring.
Evans Police announced Monday the arrests of Luis Mosquedo-Razo, 31, Pablo Cortez-Diaz, 27, and Gambino Villegas-Delgado, 52, in connection to the discovery of methamphetamine, marijuana, and 28 dangerous roosters at an Evans residence.
Many of the birds were either injured or physically altered, according to a police press release.
Officers responded to a home in the 3700 block of Burlington Avenue on Friday night, Nov. 10, on an animal-at-large call. A press release stated additional officers were called in when the responding technician came upon an "illegal animal fighting set-up."
Veterinarians from two nearby animal hospitals helped Evans Police respond to the scene, collecting the altered and injured roosters.
"We checked and this is probably the first case we’ve had in Evans in probably 12 years at least," Evans Police Chief Rick Brandt said. "So no, it’s not a common thing that we’ve experienced."
Evans police said they consulted the veterinarians to see if the roosters could be re-established in a "tranquil setting."
It's unclear at this time how long this has been going on for. Brandt said this is typically a money-making operation, and a couple thousand dollars were seized.
"Upon further evaluation, veterinarians determined the animals had been bred to behave in a vicious manner, and the 28 roosters were humanely euthanized," a press release from Evans Police stated.
Police said marijuana and methamphetamine were also confiscated from the property.
Charges against the men include animal fighting and aggravated cruelty to animals, unlawful possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of marijuana.
