San Diego Pinoy cockfights busted

SAN DIEGO – Authorities made what they called the largest cockfighting bust in US history with the seizure of more than 5,000 roosters, hens and chicks from two training grounds that were managed and patronized largely by Filipinos, according to Associated Press.

Agents found 4,400 chickens Oct. 13 at a 2.8-hectare compound in the Otay Mesa industrial area of San Diego. More than 2,500 birds were seized at the same place six years ago in what was believed to be the largest such bust in the US. Other stings have resulted in more arrests but none have produced more birds, said John Goodwin, manager of animal fighting issues at The Humane Society of the United States, which deployed its own staff on the raid along with local and federal law enforcement agents. Fifty people were issued misdemeanor citations, punishable by up to one year in jail and a $5,000 fine, and ordered to answer to cockfighting charges in early December, said Paul Levikow, a spokesman for the San Diego County District Attorneys office.

About 80 percent of the birds seized have been euthanized, Levikow said.

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