Ventura County Sheriff's Department

A Cockfighting event took place in the fields near the 3000 block of East Telegraph Road, Fillmore on July 18th, at 7 a.m.. Deputies located the operation on the property bordering the Santa Clara River bottom south of East Telegraph Road (SR126).

When deputies arrived, multiple subjects fled the scene, running into the dense brush of the river bottom. Four subjects were detained and ultimately arrested for being involved in the event. They were Fermin Navarro, 32 of Sylmar; Lucio Vasquez-Sanchez, 34 of Ojai; Rodrigo Suarez-Guzman, 28 of Ojai; and Abraham Figueroa, 54 of Piru.

Approximately 39 roosters were located in small cages and confiscated. The event was stopped in the early stages and as a result, no birds were injured. Evidence was found relating to the event, including small sharp knives typically attached to the birds’ legs for use during the fighting. Once attached to the legs, the knives cause severe damage to the opponent, including death. Over $1,000, which was being used for illegal wagering, was also seized as evidence. Ventura Animal Services responded and took possession of the birds.

The Ventura Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the public for being aware of the operation and notifying deputies. The tip led to a quick response and the birds were ultimately confiscated before any fighting occurred.

Prepared by: Sergeant Dave Sparks