Humboldt County Sheriff’s Department Raids Major Cockfighting Operation

December 10, 2008

Humane Society of the United States Officials on Site to Confiscate Fighting Birds, Paraphernalia

HUMBOLDT COUNTY, Calif. — The Humboldt County Sheriff's Department today raided an alleged cockfighting operation in McKinleyville, Calif. Authorities found approximately 1,400 game cocks and 500 game fowl on the property and seized a representative sample of birds along with cockfighting paraphernalia.

 "Today's raid is an important step towards eradicating this cruel, criminal activity in California," said Eric Sakach, director of The HSUS West Coast Regional Office. "We are grateful to Humboldt County Sheriff Gary Philp's investigators for acting quickly against this suspected cockfighting operation."

Santa Cruz County Animal Services, California Department of Justice, United States Marshal's Office, San Bernardino County Sheriff's Office, California Department of Food and Agriculture and Amador County Animal Services also took part in the raid. These groups came together to meticulously search two separate locations.

No arrests have been made at this time; however, suspects have been identified and the case will be forwarded to the Humboldt County District Attorney's Office for review and prosecution.

The HSUS offers rewards up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in animal fighting. The HSUS's animal fighting reward program has been made possible thanks to a grant by the Holland M. Ware Charitable Foundation.

Under California law, those involved in illegal cockfighting can receive up to one year in prison, a maximum fine of $5,000, or both. Possession of birds for fighting or cockfighting implements is a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in prison, a maximum fine of $1,000, or both. In 2006, The HSUS sponsored and successfully lobbied for enactment of legislation to increase penalties for cockfighting in California. The HSUS has also worked in the U.S. Congress to successfully upgrade the federal penalties for the interstate and foreign commerce in cockfighting birds and weapons.  

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The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization — backed by 10.5 million Americans, or one of every 30. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education, and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty — On the Web at humanesociety.org.