56 charged in cockfighting operation

Razor spurs and other items were found during the raid on a cockfighting operation south of town.

An anonymous tip phoned to the Elmore County Sheriff's Office in reference to cock fighting led to one arrest and 56 citations being issued on Sunday, Nov. 28.

Captain Mike Barclay explained the call came in late last week alerting the department to the illegal activity at a location on Beet Dump Road, across from the TLK Dairy.

The detective observed a number of vehicles pulling in to the driveway of the rural property and found there were 15 to 20 vehicles already parked behind the barn.

Inside, deputies and detectives found a well organized arena set up for the cock fighting derby and a barn full of people. A concession stand had been set up and the organizers appeared to be in the process of weighing the roosters, sorting the birds into their individual weight classes.

Sheriff Rick Layher said it did not appear that the blood sport had actually started when the deputies arrived on scene, but indications were that it would soon be underway. Layher said cock fighting derbies typically will operate all afternoon and well into the evening, "from about 1 (p.m.) until maybe 9 or 10 o'clock."

The law enforcement officers immediately began issuing citations to "everyone involved, including the property renters and the property owner." Enrique V. Varela, who appeared to be "the ring leader," was arrested and taken into custody.

Sheriff's detectives seized numerous paraphernalia items, including the spurs/knives that are fastened to the birds, drugs and a syringe, scales and even a .45 caliber hand gun, that no one seemed to claim.

Thirty-two roosters were euthanized. Layher explained the birds were put down on the advice of a veterinarian. "We could not just give them back to the owners to continue with the illegal activity. And I don't have any place to keep them. So the vet said it would be the best thing we could do, to put them down." The Sheriff noted there were maybe 50 to 100 birds in pens out in a corral that were left with the owners.

While cock fighting may be a culturally acceptable activity in some parts of the world, it is against the law in Idaho, explained Layher. "We can't allow it to continue when we know illegal activity is going on."

Cock fighting can mean big business with birds bringing in $200-300, possibly as much as $1,000 per fight. Typically thousands of dollars change hands during such events said Layher, as he pointed out the 'season' is just beginning. Derbies reach their height between now and the first of the year, he said.

Cock fighting derbies may have operating in the county for 20 years or more said Layher, noting that it has been about six or seven years since his department had shut down another large operation. "But we are hearing more about it. And when citizens give us information, like the call we got this time, we will take action."

He explained that if people see a lot of traffic, especially in rural areas, or notice pens where roosters are being raised, "they should call and let us know."

County Prosecutor Aaron Bazzoli said that under Idaho Code 23-3506, Exhibition of Cock Fighting, each of the 56 people cited in Sunday's activity now face misdemeanor charges that could mean up to six months in jail and fines of $100 to $5,000.