Cock fighting ring busted in Watsonville, emaciated dogs and assault rifles also seized

WATSONVILLE, Calif. (KION-TV)- The Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office said they served a warrant off Ranport Road Thursday morning.

Santa Cruz County Animal Control Officers and Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office Detectives arrived t around 8:00 a.m. and found evidence of cock fighting. Around 200 chickens, both roosters and hens, were taken from the property, and rooster cages were also found, said deputies.

According to deputies, Brett Miller, 58, and Angie Gonzalez, 21, were arrested during the search warrant.

There was also a ring on the property used in cock fights, said deputies. Several emaciated dogs and puppies were also taken from the area, deputies said the dogs had severe health problems.

Detectives also located several firearms, including assault rifles, a drum, a magazine, and high-capacity magazines.

"Information obtained from the search warrant indicates that Cock Fighting has been going on at the property for several years, and hundreds of thousands of dollars is involved with the fighting," said the Santa Cruz Sheriff's Office.

The investigation is a joint effort and is ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective Drew Renwick at 831-454-7638.