Deputies in Willowbrook seize birds believed used in cockfighting

Sheriff's deputies in the Willowbrook area recently seized nearly a hundred chickens possibly used in a cockfighting operation.

Deputies investigating reports of cockfighting in the 2400 block of 130th Street detained and questioned several people about the illegal event.

At the rear of the property, nearly 100 chickens were housed separately in rugged outside coops to prevent the birds from fighting with each other, Los Angeles County sheriff's investigators said. At the center of the yard was a boxed in ring where the cock fights were staged.

Deputies retrieved  bottles of hormones and syringes. Investigators said the birds are commonly injected with hormones to increase their size and to enhance their aggressiveness.

Deputies are working for county animal control to identify those behind the cockfighting setup.

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-- Richard Winton

Photo: Birds seized in cockfighting investigation. Credit: Los Angeles County Sheriff's Dept.