Salinas man accused of raising 350 roosters for cockfighting, deputies say

MONTEREY COUNTY, Calif. (KION-TV)- A Salinas man is under investigation after the Monterey County Sheriff's Office found more than 350 roosters and hens that were allegedly being raised for cockfighting.

Monterey County Sheriff's Office Commander Andy Rosas told KION that they got multiple anonymous tips regarding a man who was allegedly raising roosters for cockfighting.

Deputies served a search warrant at a property on the 600 block of San Juan Grade Road around 7:45 a.m. on Sunday morning.

Investigators found an estimated 350 roosters and hens were housed in multiple cages throughout the property.

Rosas said they found evidence that the roosters and hens were being raised for cockfighting.

Investigators said that they do not believe any actual cockfighting took place at the property itself.

Deputies questioned the 73-year-old Salinas man during the investigation. Rosas told KION that the man was not charged or arrested on Sunday morning.

However, the Sheriff's Office has forwarded a request for charges to the Monterey County District Attorney's Office.

The 73-year-old Salinas man could be charged with possession of fighting birds according to deputies.

Investigators said they turned over the 350 roosters and hens to the Monterey County SPCA for euthanization.

A Monterey County SPCA spokesperson confirmed to KION that over 300 roosters and hens were euthanized on Monday morning.

If you have more information regarding this investigation, you are asked to contact the Monterey County Sheriff's Office.