The Rural Crime Task Force serves search warrant related to a bird fighting operation; One subject in custody 
DATE/TIME OF INCIDENT: Wednesday, March 21, 2018 9:50 am
INCIDENT: POSSESSION OF GAME FOWL FOR FIGHTING / POSSESSION OF COCK FIGHTING
INSTRUMENTS
LOCATION: 11300 block Salem Ave, Victorville
SUSPECT: Efren Cureil, 36 years old, resident of Victorville
SUMMARY:
Detectives and deputies from the Victor Valley Sheriff’s Station served a search warrant at a residence in the 11300 block of Salem Avenue for evidence of a fighting bird operation. The Department’s Rural Crime Task Force gathered information on the fighting bird compound. The roosters were housed in separate cages and two deceased roosters were located in a wheel barrel. Both deceased roosters had lacerations and punctures which were consistent with injuries sustained during a cock fight. In addition, both roosters had “mole skin” on one foot, wrapped around the leg and natural spur. This method is used by cock fighters to protect the rooster’s leg from the fighting knife once it is applied.
Fighting roosters in California is a felony, and birds being raised for this purpose are eventually subject to injury and probable death in a severe form of animal cruelty. Birds which are injured or killed in a fight are often thrown into a dumpster or trashcan to be discarded.
The Rural Crime Task Force coordinated with San Bernardino County Animal Control Officers to assist with the birds. In all, 36 fighting roosters were seized. Game bird fighting implements, medical supplements and stimulants were also seized. Many birds had their combs and waddles cut off in preparation for fighting.
The case is being forwarded to the district attorney’s office for filing and an additional suspect is being sought.
Anyone with information regarding this crime is urged to contact Deputy Randy Stanley or Deputy Robert Oakleaf at Victor Valley Sheriff’s Lucerne Valley Sub-Station, (760) 248-7655. Persons wishing to remain anonymous can report information to WeTip by calling 1-800-78-CRIME, or by accessing the website at www.wetip.com.
Refer: Pamela Hoffman
Station: Victor Valley
Report # 071800922
Phone No: 760-552-6844
JOHN MCMAHON, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
Address/Location
SBSD - Victor Valley Sheriff's Department
11613 Bartlett Ave
Adelanto, CA 92301
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1