A cockfighting operation was shut down by police Saturday in a remote area south of Buckeye, according to the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office.
Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Joaquin Enriquez said officers responded about 9:30 a.m. to a report of suspected cockfighting at a residence in the Rainbow Valley area near 107th Avenue.
Deputies found a sprawling property — more than an acre with multiple permanent and portable structures — used to hold organized events, police said.
"As deputies arrived on scene, there was active fighting," Enriquez said. "They noticed the pens ... structures that were fixed on this property. So this property was being used to hold these types of events."
Investigators also located gambling activity and seized drugs, multiple firearms and about $18,000 in cash.
A total of 157 roosters were found on the premises; certified veterinarians on scene euthanized the birds, according to the sheriff’s office, citing disease and safety concerns.
Several people at the property were taken into custody and booked on state charges related to the incident.
Detectives described the site as long-established and said they are continuing to investigate possible links to broader criminal activity, including organized gambling and weapons offenses.
Police asked the public to report suspected animal-fighting operations and said anonymous tips are welcome.
No further details on the identities of those arrested or pending charges were released as the investigation continues.
“This is going to be the second ring that we find here this year," Enriquez said. “It's obviously apparent that people are taking this very seriously.
