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Nearly 150 roosters euthanized after cockfighting ring raided in California

JURUPA VALLEY, Calif. — A Friday night raid on a Jurupa Valley residence resulted in nearly 150 roosters being euthanized after authorities busted a cockfighting event in California.

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According to KNBC, more than 200 people scattered when deputies with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department arrived, but one man claimed ownership of the 143 roosters present at the Troth Street residence.

The roosters were euthanized Saturday morning, the TV station confirmed.

The man, who has not been identified publicly, was charged with possession of fighting blades that were attached to the birds, many of which were already dead or severely injured when authorities arrived, KCBS-TV reported.

“The birds must be euthanized because Animal Services cannot adopt out such birds as they are valuable, and they would almost always end up back in a cockfighting ring,” Riverside County Animal Services said in a prepared statement, adding, “They are not suitable as pets.”

The agency also stated that it will likely seek felony animal cruelty charges associated with the raid, KNBC reported.