(Photo courtesy Animal Rescue League)
UPDATE:
The Animal Rescue League of Iowa reports more than 30 chickens seized from a Des Moines property earlier this month have been adopted to as pets. The ARL says more chickens are expected to be placed up for adoption soon.
“We have been overwhelmed with the outpouring of support for the chickens from this suspected cockfighting rescue,” said Tom Colvin, Executive Director for the Animal Rescue League of Iowa. “We are happy that these birds will now get to enjoy a great life with their new families as pets.”
Previous story
Des Moines Police tell our news partner Channel 13, WHO-TV there could be more arrests, stemming from a possible cockfighting operation. Police say they found nearly 100-animals in a home on the city's east side. Officers also found some tools associated with cockfighting, which are illegal to possess.
One man, 38 year old Mariano Martinez Ramirez has been charged in the case.
Police suspect the actual fights may be happening somewhere other than the residence, where the chickens and roosters were found.
(Original story)
A Des Moines man is charged with running a cockfighting enterprise. Des Moines Police Officers along with Animal Rescue League staff took 85 chickens and roosters from a property on the city's east side, Thursday, July 6th.
Thirty-eight year old Mariano Martinez Ramirez has been charged with Felony Animal Contest – Possession of Contest Device (animal fighting paraphernalia), Misdemeanor Types Permitted (excessive animal numbers), and Violation of Probation.
“Animal fighting is a horrible, vicious crime where the animals suffer greatly at the hands of those involved. Because of this, many years ago, the ARL worked with lawmakers to elevate this level of animal cruelty to a felony. Unfortunately, it remains one of the few felony charges for animal crimes in our state.” said Tom Colvin, Executive Director with the Animal Rescue League of Iowa.
The birds are being examined and photographed for evidence. State Agriculture officials are testing for possible contagious disease.
The Animal Rescue League says this is the fourth large-scale rescue they have assisted authorities with so far this year and the first illegal animal fighting case in more than 7 years.