By Carlos Alcalá
calcala@sacbee.com
El Dorado Animal Services has euthanized 250 birds after uncovering what appeared to be a large, illegal cockfighting operation in Garden Valley, El Dorado County officials said today.
The discovery began Sunday with a traffic stop in Diamond Springs, during which sheriff's deputies found two roosters with injuries consistent with fighting.
After finding slashing blades in the vehicle, deputies arrested Samuel Cuevas Ayala (photo right), 50, of Garden Valley and Rogelio Reyes-Higareda (photo left), 39, of Placerville on suspicion of conspiracy and possession of bird fighting equipment and a fighting game cock.
Executing a warrant on Ayala's Garden Valley property, officials found the 250 birds, which were euthanized after they were deemed either in too poor condition or too aggressive to save.
While cockfighting is illegal in California, it is growing here because it is only a misdemeanor, according to a release from Henry Brzezinski, El Dorado Chief of Animal Services.
Surrounding states consider the crime a felony, Brzezinski said.
In cockfighting, birds are injected with stimulants and goaded into fighting with razor-like knives strapped to their legs.
Call The Bee's Carlos Alcalá, (916) 321-1987.
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