Report of rooster fighting, gambling leads to arrest of 2 men in Lodi; 35 roosters found dead

Posted by author January 11, 2025 Gambling

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Two people were arrested after dozens of roosters were found dead and a large wooden arena was discovered on a property in Lodi, according to the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office.

At about 12 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 4, sheriff’s deputies were called to a report of rooster fighting and gambling near North Atkins Road.

When deputies arrived to the property, they immediately noticed five dead roosters and several other roosters inside boxes. Emanuel Garcia and Morales Prisciliano were detained, sheriff’s officials said.

While searching the property, deputies said they found an additional 30 dead roosters and about 65 live roosters, as well as numerous fighting gaffs, spurs, leashes, and other materials indicative of rooster fighting.

Inside the barn, they also found a large wooden arena with two sets of stadium seating, the sheriff’s officials stated.

Deputies arrested Garcia and Prisciliano on suspicion of cruelty to an animal and possession of game cocks for fighting.

Rooster fighting, also known as cockfighting, is illegal in all 50 states and is a felony offense in 42 states and the District of Columbia.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) said it is a blood sport in which roosters are placed in a ring and forced to fight to the death for the “amusement” of onlookers.

Authorities said cockfighting is a serious crime that involves animal cruelty and is often tied to other illegal activities such as gambling and trafficking.

“Our community values the humane treatment of all animals, and we are committed to enforcing the law,” the sheriff’s officials stated in a news release. “Any individuals found organizing, participating in, or attending rooster fighting events will be investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

Anyone who suspects cockfighting activity is urged to call the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office at (209) 468-4400.

Record reporter Hannah Workman covers news in Stockton and San Joaquin County. She can be reached at hworkman@recordnet.com or on Twitter @byhannahworkman. Support local news, subscribe to The Stockton Record at https://www.recordnet.com/subscribenow.