PRESS RELEASE MARRIOTT-SLATERVILLE CITY Bill Morris, City Attorney Marriott-Slaterville City 1195 West 400 North Marriott-Slaterville, Utah 84404 Phone: (801)627-1919 FAX: (801)627-1880 January 17, 2002 for immediate release CITY RESPONDS TO COCK FIGHT Marriott-Slaterville, Utah, March 18, 2002- Sunday morning at approximately 2:30 a.m. a deputy sheriff, patrolling 1700 South in Marriott-Slaterville City, happened upon an organized cock fighting ring in a warehouse across the street from the City's new Nature Park. Dozens of people fled the scene when the deputy arrived, however, four suspects were apprehended as back-up units assisted. Information from the Sheriff's Office to the City indicated that "dozens of rooster carcasses littered the interior of the warehouse." Over 60 live birds were confiscated from the scene and taken to the Weber County Animal Shelter, which provides animal control services for Marriott-Slaterville City. Animal control workers spent Monday making room to accommodate all the live birds until their ultimate fate is determined. An investigation by the Sheriff's Office and the City Attorney's Office is presently being conducted. Preliminary evidence suggests that many of rooster were shipped into the state for this fight. Also, some of the suspects arrested in connection with this event were from out-of-state. The site of the cock fight is registered as a welding shop on the City's business license records. The site is owned by KBC Leasing. After the investigation is complete, those involved will be prosecuted severely. Marriott-Slaterville City is taking this case especially seriously and is examining all potential criminal charges and other appropriate measures. State law punishes any person who causes an animal to fight with another for amusement or gain, spectators at such event may also be prosecuted. Aggravating factors and trespassing offenses are also being considered. 27