1,000 roosters euthanized after cockfighting bust

VENTURA, Calif. – About 1,000 roosters confiscated during the weekend bust of a Ventura County cockfighting ring have been euthanized.

The Ventura County Sheriff's Department says 16 men were arrested and cockfighting paraphernalia, including blades, were seized during the Saturday raid in an unincorporated area near Oxnard. A tip from an anonymous caller led to the bust.

Investigators say about 1,000 roosters had to be euthanized because of their aggressive nature.

The Ventura County Star says 43-year-old Michael Lim of Los Angeles and 29-year-old Luis Manzana of Oxnard were booked for investigation of felony animal cruelty. The other 14 men were booked for misdemeanors for being spectators at a cockfight.