Image: Polk County Jail
This is Mariano Martinez Ramirez. He was arrested for running a cockfighting ring in Des Moines. He has been charged with felony animal contest, possession of contest device (animal fighting paraphernalia), misdemeanor types permitted (excessive animal numbers), and violation of probation.
85 chickens and roosters were removed by police with the help of the Animal Rescue League.
"They will trim down the natural talons the roosters have and attach some very, very sharp, basically, knives to their feet, and then let them fight,” Des Moines police Sgt. Paul Parizek said. "This attracts a certain kind of scumbag, you know, who wants to watch these things happen and these investigations always kind of branch out,” Parizek added.
The investigation continues and more arrests have not been ruled out.
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