Operation involved more than 100 roosters; four men arrested By JOEY HAWS Standard-Examiner staff MARRIOTT-SLATERVILLE - Investigators and officials from Weber County Animal Services are trying to figure out what to do with scores of roosters involved in an illegal cockfighting operation located in a vacant warehouse. Weber County Sheriff's Lt. Klint Anderson said the carcasses of 40 dead roosters were found scattered around two full-size fighting rings inside a warehouse near 1200 West and 17th Street around 2:30 a.m. Sunday. Also discovered were 61 live roosters in cages and packaging crates stacked up all around the fighting rings. Other crates were found in cars parked near the warehouse and in an adjacent field. Deputies have arrested four people and are investigating several others believed to be involved in the operation. Cockfighting is illegal in the United States. "There is evidence to suggest most, if not all, of the animals were shipped in specifically for this event," Anderson said. Some of the crates were spacious and very elaborate, crafted with quality wood and decorations. Others were tightly cramped cardboard boxes, measuring 7-inches wide, 22-inches tall and 28-inches long, with shipping labels on them from Arizona, Nevada and Oklahoma. The words "Cockfight - Best Quality" were printed on the outside. "Some of the boxes and cages were just big enough to fit one rooster," Anderson said. The birds are large, intimidating creatures, but surprisingly docile when handled by humans. But put them together in or near the same area, and their natural instincts to fight to the death instantly engage. Some were colored in brilliant dark, emerald green feathers with vibrant auburn color around the neck. Others had a creme-colored collar and a dark black or navy blue breast. The discovery of the animals occurred when sheriff's deputy Brian Jacobs was on routine patrol in the area and saw a car drive behind the vacant warehouse. After Jacobs followed the car, and eventually talked to the two individuals driving it, about 40 people began running out of the warehouse in all directions. AUGUST MILLER/Standard-Examiner An injured rooster used for cockfighting sits in a cage at the Weber County Animal Shelter. Officials aren't sure what to do with the dozens of animals recovered early Sunday. Jacobs called for backup and went inside, where he found the grisly scene of dead rooster carcasses dotting the floor of the dimly-lit building. The live roosters were collected by Weber County Animal Services. Anderson said he couldn't recall any similar illegal cockfighting events in Weber County. "We're not really sure how long this had been going on," Anderson said. "We do know (the cockfights) happen from time to time around the state, but this is the first we know of here in Weber County." Investigators also believe the cockfights were set up for the primary purpose of illegal gambling. One of the four adults arrested had a large sum of money in his possession, Anderson said. Investigators also confiscated several sets of spurs that are attached to the legs of the roosters while fighting. The effects of the fighting were clearly evident as the birds were stored at the Weber County Animal Shelter. One rooster's cream-colored feathers were stained with blood from massive injures to the right side of its face. Its right eye had been gouged out, and it stood precariously on its left leg, as blood dripped profusely from the crippled right leg. Another bird, scheduled to be destroyed, had clear signs it was recently in a fight as it suffered a compound fracture to the left wing. Ron Willis, manager of animal services, said the sheriff's department has asked to keep the birds where they are for three days until it can be decided what actions to take. Some will be destroyed, but others may be adopted if the sheriff's office will allow it, Willis said. Anderson said the owner of the warehouse has been questioned, but denies know-ing of any illegal activity going on. The owner also said the warehouse had not been leased to any tenant. All four of the suspects - a 23-year-old Syracuse man, a 22-year-old Hooper man, a 27-year-old Ogden man and a 29-year-old Elko, Nev., man -were booked into the Weber County Jail on various misdemeanor charges, including cruelty to animals, trespassing and interfering with arrest. All four men have posted bail. March 19, 2002 (Cont'd)