Cock Fighting Facility Busted
KEY WEST (CBS4) – A man is in jail after police busted what they say is a cock fighting facility that allegedly trained, fought and exported the birds to Puerto Rico.
According to the Monroe County Sheriff's Office Yamil Clavero Rodriguez, 39, was arrested Sunday for his alleged role in a cock fighting operation on the corner of Beach Drive and A Street.
Deputies found seven roosters tied with white rope that had been plucked of their breast and leg feathers and their wattles and combs removed, as is the practice with fighting birds.
Rodriguez, who police said rents the property, tried locking the gate when he saw law enforcement approaching.
The sheriff's office said Rodriguez and several others were arrested.
About 64 roosters were confiscated along with detachable talons, syringes, vitamins and other rooster fighting paraphernalia, according to police.
A 12-foot fighting ring also was found, splattered in blood.
Rodriguez allegedly told Detective Donnie Catala he was training the roosters to fight, and was going to send them to Puerto Rico once they were trained.
The roosters were turned over to the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Rodriguez was arrested and charged with selling, possessing or using animals to fight or bait.
