"Operation Crowing Rooster" rescues 3,500 cockfighting birds in San Bernardino County, leads to dozens of arrests

An extensive six-week operation out of San Bernardino County lead to dozens of arrests and the rescue of thousands of cockfighting birds, according to authorities.  

Dubbed "Operation Crowing Rooster," the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department says it served 26 search warrants between June 14 and Aug. 1. Locations include San Bernardino, Bloomington, Muscoy, Lucerne Valley, Chino, Muscoy, Phelan, Fontana, Hesperia, Landers and Highland.

Across the operations, about 3,500 birds used for cockfighting were rescued and turned over to  Animal Care Services, the department said.

Also recovered during the execution of those warrants were $259,000 cash, 12 firearms, 12 ounces of cocaine, 11.5 ounces of methamphetamine, and 6 grams of fentanyl with a street value of about $11,000, authorities said.

Charges for those arrested vary and include animal cruelty, according to authorities.