APD busts cockfighting ring in SE Albuquerque

By KOB

[anvplayer video=”5181089″ station=”998122″]

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Albuquerque police say they took down an illegal cockfighting operation Sunday in the southeast part of the city.

Police say 20 people fled a mobile home on Utah Street SE when officers arrived. They say the main organizer of the fights, 31-year-old Adolfo Gonzales, will be summoned for cockfighting.

According to APD, 11 people received citations for cockfighting.

Officers also recovered multiple animals:

  • 6 fighting roosters
  • 1 severely injured rooster
  • 1 dead rooster
  • 2 breeding hens and eggs
  • 1 pit bull

Officials say animal control has seized the animals and is assisting with the case. Shelter staff will evaluate the animals to see if they’re fit for adoption in the future.

Participating in these types of fights is a misdemeanor charge, but it could result in a felony.

Animal Welfare officials said it hasn’t seen an operation like this in a while, but it’s not unheard of. Cockfighting was banned almost 20 years ago in New Mexico.