Stafford County Sheriff’s Office announced animal control was granted custody of all 80 chickens seized from an illegal cockfighting ring at a residence on Norman Rd.
The alleged cockfighting operation was discovered on November 7 when SCSO went to execute a search warrant at the Norman Rd. property for a stolen property report, the Sheriff’s Office explained.
The cockfighting issue had already been reported to the Special Problems Unit, and when officers executed the stolen property warrant, they saw the large number of chickens on the property and obtained a second warrant related to the cockfighting allegations, SCSO explained.
In addition to 80 game fowl chickens, SCSO reported finding controlled substances, equipment, and weapons directly related to cockfighting.
After the seizure hearing held this morning, 47-year-old Sergio Munoz, of Stafford, was taken into custody and charged with five counts of felony animal fighting. He was held at Rappahannock Regional Jail on a $1,000 secured bond. According to SCSO, there is an ongoing investigation into the cockfighting and additional charges may be forthcoming.
SCSO said the chickens are currently being housed at the Stafford County Animal Shelter and are scheduled to be seen by a vet. The Stafford County Animal Shelter is exploring long-term solutions.
Munoz was not the subject of the stolen property warrant, SCSO confirmed.
ALSO SEE: Northumberland Woman w/ 58 Animal Cruelty Charges Loses Custody of Dogs
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