Santa Barbara County Animal Control Seize 58 Birds in Lompoc Cockfighting Investigation

Santa Barbara County Animal Control Officers, working alongside Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office detectives and Rural Crimes deputies, served two search warrants in the Lompoc area as part of an investigation into suspected animal abuse and illegal bird fighting, commonly known as cockfighting.

The first search warrant was served in the 800-block of East Pine Avenue in the City of Lompoc. During the search, officers discovered items commonly associated with cockfighting, including sharp blades known as “slashers” or “navajas,” which are attached to birds during fights. Several chickens were also found living in unsanitary and overcrowded conditions at the property.

Investigators also served a second search warrant at a related location in the 3000-block of Avena Road in unincorporated Lompoc. At that property, officers seized 58 game fowl–type chickens. Many of the birds showed physical signs consistent with cockfighting, including removed combs and wattles, trimmed natural spurs, and healing wounds.

No arrests have been made at this time, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Anyone with information related to cockfighting activity at these or any other locations is encouraged to contact Santa Barbara County Animal Services at 833-422-8413 or submit information online at www.sbcanimalservices.org.

Animal Services is a division of the County of Santa Barbara Health Department. Animal Services Officers are law enforcement officials responsible for investigating animal-related crimes throughout most of Santa Barbara County, with the exception of the cities of Carpinteria and Santa Barbara, which maintain their own animal control agencies.