Law enforcement authorities in rural northern Nevada have made over two dozen arrests following a major crackdown on an illegal cockfighting operation, Your Content has learned.
The Lyon County Sheriff’s Office recently uncovered a barn in Silver Springs where 59 dead roosters were found earlier this month.
The sheriff’s office confirmed on Friday that 28 individuals are now facing felony charges in connection with the illicit cockfighting ring.
However, specific details and names of the arrested individuals have not been disclosed at this time.
Acting on an anonymous tip provided by Lyon County Animal Services, a deputy witnessed roosters engaged in fighting inside an open-air barn on June 3, along with hand-to-hand wagering.
The property is located approximately 35 miles (56 kilometers) northeast of Carson City, as stated by the sheriff’s office in an earlier report.
During the operation, authorities discovered an additional 96 live chickens, two of which had sustained severe injuries consistent with bird-fighting.
Numerous tools commonly associated with animal fighting were also recovered.
While three hens were successfully rescued and relocated to new homes, the sheriff’s office reported that the Nevada Department of Agriculture had to assist in euthanizing a significant number of fighting roosters.
The investigation into this illegal cockfighting operation is ongoing, according U.S. News.
Anyone who possesses information related to this incident is urged to contact the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office at 775-577-5206.