The Tampa Tribune

107 Roosters, Cockfighting Gear Found Near Tampa

Tampa authorities accused a man of operating a cockfighting training site where more than 100 fighting roosters were seized.

The Tampa Tribune reports that deputies were responding to gunshots Tuesday when they found 43-year-old Oraldo Rodriguez hiding behind a large chicken coop on the property. Rodriguez was detained while animal services officers investigated and confirmed the site appeared to be a cockfighting training facility.

Deputies say the roosters in the ring had chest and leg feathers plucked, and they wore sparring gear. A dead rooster was inside the ring. In all, 107 roosters were discovered.

Rodriguez faces two counts of aggravated animal cruelty, two counts of owning, breeding or baiting animals for fighting, and one count of possession of equipment used for animal fighting.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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