Lompoc, CA – Santa Barbara County Animal Control officers recently seized 58 birds as part of an ongoing investigation into illegal cockfighting activities in the Lompoc area. The discovery highlights a growing concern for authorities, who have seen an increase in reported cases since the county implemented stricter regulations on rooster ownership in 2024.
The operation, conducted in collaboration with the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s detectives and Rural Crimes deputies, involved the execution of two search warrants. Authorities uncovered evidence of animal abuse and the staging of illegal bird fights, revealing a disturbing practice that continues despite being outlawed in California.
The first search warrant was served in the 800 block of East Pine Avenue, where investigators found items commonly used in cockfighting, including sharp blades known as “slashers” or navajas. These blades are illegally attached to the roosters’ legs during fights to inflict maximum damage. Investigators also noted unsanitary and overcrowded conditions where several chickens were kept.
A second warrant was executed at a related property in the 3000 block of Avena Road, leading to the seizure of the 58 birds. Many of the animals exhibited physical signs consistent with participation in cockfights, according to officials.
“They have been dubbed, meaning their combs and wattles have been cut off,” explained Joan Robb, supervising animal control officer. “The reason they do that for cockfighting is so that when the birds are fighting, there’s not so much blood being spilled around and thrown around. It interferes with the cocks’ ability to see when there’s so much blood.” Robb also noted that investigators observed trimmed natural spurs on several birds, which are often modified with blades to inflict further injury during fights.
Cockfighting is illegal in California and is prosecuted as animal cruelty. Despite the legal prohibitions, enforcement efforts have been stepped up in recent years. No arrests have been made at this time, and the investigation is ongoing. The seized birds are currently being cared for at the county’s animal shelter while the case proceeds.
According to Robb, this isn’t an isolated incident. “Here’s not our first confiscation of birds,” she stated. “Since our rooster ordinance went into effect in 2024, we have seized approximately over 300 birds for cockfighting.”
The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors adopted the rooster ordinance in January 2024 in response to a reported increase in large-scale rooster breeding operations. County public health officials had warned that keeping large numbers of roosters on residential properties was linked not only to noise and nuisance complaints but also to the potential for illegal cockfighting activities.
Robb added that suspected cockfighting operations often involve confining birds individually in cages, a practice that differs significantly from typical backyard poultry keeping. The county ordinance regulates the number of roosters allowed on properties of varying sizes, requiring permits for those exceeding the limits and mandating proper housing and care.
Anyone with information regarding cockfighting activity is encouraged to contact Santa Barbara County Animal Services at (833) 422-8413 or submit information online at sbcanimalservices.org.
As the investigation continues, authorities are focused on identifying those responsible for organizing and participating in these illegal activities. The ongoing enforcement efforts underscore the county’s commitment to combating animal cruelty and upholding the law. The welfare of the seized birds remains a priority, and officials are working to ensure they receive appropriate care and, where possible, find suitable homes.
Please consider sharing this information to raise awareness about the cruelty of cockfighting and encourage reporting of suspicious activity.
