Illegal cockfighting ring, involving 34 live roosters, busted in Tonopah: MCSO

3 arrested in illegal cockfighting ring in Tonopah

Three people, identified as Miguel Pelajio, Ruben Zavala, and Jesus Valenzuela, were arrested in connection with the cockfighting bust in Tonopah over the weekend.

TONOPAH, Ariz. - An illegal cockfighting ring was busted at a Tonopah home on Saturday, resulting in multiple people possibly facing charges, according to the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office.

What we know:

Deputies initially responded to a home in the 3600 block of 334th Avenue on Jan. 10 for a welfare check. The homeowner, who was out of state, called to report that there was a large gathering being held without his knowledge. 

"Come to the front door with your hands above your head," a deputy was heard saying at the home on Jan. 10. "All occupants come outside with your hands above your hands. This is the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office. We have a search warrant. Come out now."

Officials said they "found dozens of people fleeing the property and observed an in-progress cockfight."

"When patrol first arrived they noted they witnessed an active cockfight," William Jinks with MCSO said. "There was miscellaneous cockfighting equipment, gambling ledgers and scoreboards" used for bets.

Dozens flee Tonopah home after deputies bust active cockfight

Maricopa County deputies busted an illegal cockfighting ring in Tonopah on Saturday, finding more than 30 roosters involved. FOX 10's Megan Spector learns more about the raid.

Dig deeper:

The sheriff's office said 34 roosters were found alive and altered, meaning the bird has physical modifications designed to make the animal a more effective fighter. 

Seven deceased birds were found, including two "recently dead" ones near the fighting ring. Officials also added that "another hole on the property was located containing several dead roosters." 

Many of them had knives attacked to their legs, which is common in cockfighting. The live roosters have been humanely euthanized.

"Cockfighting involves two birds bred for fighting, trained for fighting, and then equipped to fight," Animal Wellness Action President Wayne Pacelle said. "The natural spur of the birds is shaved down on their legs, and a leather strap is a fixture on the leg and a knife or a curved icepick called the gaff is affixed to the legs, so the birds slash each other to death."

Several people were detained at the home. Multiple were cited for being at the cockfight, while others were booked into jail for facilitating it. On Jan. 12, officials confirmed that three people, identified as Miguel Pelajio, Ruben Zavala and Jesus Valenzuela, were arrested.

What they're saying:

Witnesses said this was supposed to be a multi-day event. According to documents, investigators learned that Pelajio helped run the event, and Zavala worked as security. 

Big picture view:

Cockfighting has been illegal in Arizona since 1998.

"27 years ago, I led a ballot measure in Arizona to outlaw cockfighting," Pacelle said. "It was one of the last five states in the country with legal cockfighting. Cockfighting is barbaric, it's inhumane, and it serves no purpose in society."

34 live roosters found during cockfighting ring raid in Tonopah

Multiple people could be facing charges at Maricopa County deputies raided a cockfighting ring in Tonopah. FOX 10'S Megan Spector learns more about what was discovered during the bust.

What we don't know:

It is unclear how many people were involved at this time.  

What you can do:

Anyone with information about illegal animal fighting can contact Animal Wellness Action at animalcrueltytips@animalwellnessaction.org.

Map of the area of the cockfighting bust.