228 Roosters Seized From Redmond Cockfighting Operation

Deschutes County Detectives Seize 228 Roosters in Redmond Cockfighting Raid

A long-term investigation into a property northeast of Redmond culminated Wednesday in the seizure of 228 roosters and a cache of specialized equipment, according to the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office. Detectives from the department’s Street Crimes Unit, alongside Animal Control technicians, executed a search warrant at a site located off O’Neil Highway following a series of complaints from local residents regarding the property’s activity.

Neighbors had reported concerns about excessive noise, large gatherings, and a surge in late-night traffic, which prompted the sheriff’s office to launch a formal investigation into the suspected cockfighting operation. KATU reported that investigators found the birds either confined in cages or tethered to barrels throughout the grounds, indicating a highly organized setup.

The evidence seized by authorities highlights the specific nature of the alleged operation. Among the items recovered were “sparring muffs,” which are typically used to cover a bird’s natural spurs during training to prevent injury before a match. Detectives also discovered “slashers”—bladed weapons designed to be attached to a rooster’s leg for use in combat. As noted by youroregonnews.com, these findings align with the common practices of cockfighting, a practice involving the pitting of domesticated roosters against one another in fights that are often fatal, with participants wagering on the outcome.

Legal Stakes for the Suspects

Under Oregon law, cockfighting is classified as a Class C felony. The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that those found responsible face significant legal consequences, including a maximum penalty of up to five years in prison, a fine of $125,000, or a combination of both. While the department has not yet released the names of the suspects involved, the investigation remains active.

228 Roosters Seized From Redmond Cockfighting Operation — Photo: youroregonnews.com

The case is currently under review by a Deschutes County grand jury. Investigators have indicated that while the initial charges focus on the operation itself, additional criminal charges could follow as the review of the evidence proceeds. For the community, this raid marks the end of a persistent nuisance, but for the legal system in Deschutes County, it represents the beginning of a complex prosecution involving animal cruelty statutes.

The sheriff’s office stated that it remains focused on investigating reports of animal cruelty and expressed gratitude to the community members whose tips led to the discovery of the operation. As the investigation moves toward potential indictment, the fate of the 228 seized birds remains a logistical and legal challenge for local animal control services. No further information regarding the suspects or a timeline for upcoming court appearances has been released.