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157 roosters recovered, 8 arrested in Valley cockfighting ring
Deputies recovered 157 live roosters and arrested eight people in a massive cockfighting ring bust in Rainbow Valley over the weekend.
RAINBOW VALLEY, Ariz. - Eight people have been arrested in a cockfighting ring bust in the southwest Valley over the weekend.
What we know:
Several people and cars fled the scene, "some crashing through fences," when Maricopa County deputies arrived to the 27000 block of S. 170th Ave on April 4 for reports of cockfighting in progress.
Officials said those eight people were detained as they were leaving the property.
Investigators found two cockfighting rings "with active fights in progress," 157 live roosters, several dead roosters on the ground and a dry-erase board with apparent betting activity. Cockfighting paraphernalia, Gaffs, $18,000 in cash, four handguns, and an AR-15 rifle were also recovered from the scene.
What they're saying:
"This property was being used to hold these type of events," authorities said in reference to a structured pin found on the property. As protocol, all 157 roosters were euthanized by certified veterinarians at the scene.
All eight people involved are facing charges of being present at a cockfight.
What's next:
This is the second ring busted in 2026. The sheriff's office is looking into whether this is connected to the cockfighting ring in Tonopah in January.
Illegal cockfighting ring, involving 34 live roosters, busted in Tonopah: MCSO
Deputies busted an active cockfighting ring at a Tonopah home Saturday, involving 34 live roosters.
This remains an ongoing investigation.
Map of the area of the cockfighting bust.
The Source: Maricopa County Sheriff's Office