L.A. man sentenced for running cockfighting ring

A Los Angeles man received a suspended sentence today of three years in state prison for running a cockfighting ring in South Los Angeles.

Israel Ramirez pleaded guilty to one felony count of cockfighting, two felony counts of animal cruelty and five misdemeanor counts of possession of cockfighting paraphernalia, according to the Los Angeles County district attorney's office. Although a Los Angeles Superior Court judge suspended the prison sentence,  Ramirez will serve 360 days in county jail and must complete 30 days of service with Caltrans.

Ramirez will have to undergo a psychological evaluation and attend one year of animal cruelty classes, according to a statement issued by the D.A.'s office. Ramirez will be sent to prison if he is caught with any birds or involved in cockfighting, officials said.

Ramirez was among 10 people arrested last June at a cockfight in the 1300 block of East 108th Street. Ramirez has four prior misdemeanor cockfighting-related convictions, the district attorney's office said, and he told officers he held cockfights at his home about once a month. He charged spectators a $20 entrance fee and sold prepackaged sandwiches, beer and soft drinks, according to the statement.

Officers with the Los Angeles City Animal Cruelty Task Force, which investigated the case, seized about 50 roosters at the home. All but one rooster had their combs, wattles and spurs removed for fighting purposes, according to authorities.

A spreadsheet, identification bracelets, slasher blades and sparring gloves were recovered at the home. Officers also found the blood-splattered pit where the roosters fought. One rooster was found dead and two were severely injured and had to be euthanized.

-- Ruben Vives