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Provo Police Raid Alleged Cockfighting Ring, Arrest 17 and Seize Hundreds of Birds

Detectives used a welfare check, drone surveillance and warrants to uncover an alleged organized operation now under active investigation.

Overview

  • Officers reported finding 363 live roosters and 56 dead roosters, along with a large fighting ring, benches, scorecards, a winning board and trophies.
  • Police say a welfare check led to a drone overflight that showed people moving cages, followed by a second warrant authorizing entry to the Provo farm property.
  • Witnesses told officers that 50 to 100 people had been present before many fled; six were detained in a nearby park, including a juvenile.
  • A stopped vehicle leaving the scene contained razor claws, alleged aggression-inducing drugs and two roosters in a box, according to police documents.
  • All 17 suspects were booked into the Utah County Jail on suspicion of game fowl fighting, with several also suspected of aggravated animal cruelty, failing to stop for police and drug possession.