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

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.

TONOPAH, Ariz. - An illegal cockfighting ring was busted at a Tonopah home on Saturday, resulting in multiple people getting cited and jailed, 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 unauthorized people on their property. 

At the home, they "found dozens of people fleeing the property and observed an in-progress cockfight."

Possible 'cockfighting ring' under investigation in Tonopah

A suspect was taken into custody by Maricopa County deputies as the sheriff's office investigates an animal cruelty case that may involve cockfighting.

Dig deeper:

A fight ring, 36 roosters, cockfighting equipment gambling ledgers, and scoreboards were found. 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.

Two roosters were found "recently dead" near the fighting ring. Officials also added that "another hole on the property was located containing several dead roosters." 

Several people were detained at the home. Multiple were cited for being at the cockfight, while others were booked into jail for facilitating it. 

What we don't know:

The identities of those cited and detained were not disclosed. It is unclear how many people were involved at this time.  

Map of the area of the cockfighting bust.