Deputies raid huge bird-fighting operation in south Sacramento County; some birds to be euthanized

Sheriff’s deputies shut down a huge bird-fighting operation in action in south Sacramento County seizing hundreds of birds including a number that showed signs of torture, and promising numerous arrests.

Sacramento County sheriff’s deputies described a chaotic scene Friday night on Borden Road in Herald where as many as 50 spectators fled a warehouse as deputies arrived, some climbing into their vehicles and crashing through neighboring fences to escape.

Several of the spectators were left behind along with more than 200 birds, raised to fight, along with the painkillers, antibiotics and other medicines of the blood trade that kept them in the fighting circle.

Photos by investigators at the scene show the fighting wounds the birds suffered, as well as the sharpened tools they were made to wear.

The Sheriff’s Office said Monday it expects “numerous arrests” out of their ongoing investigation into the south county fight ring. Deputies have contacted California Department of Food and Agriculture officials to test the confiscated birds for signs of the highly pathogenic bird flu, which has affected farms and flocks across California. Operations, like the one found in Herald, are potentially tied the spread of the H5N1 virus.

Sheriff’s deputies and special investigators learned of the operation after the spectators fled, returning with a search warrant to find the birds and drugs. Sacramento County Animal Control officers took in many birds for protection including some with injuries so severe that they will soon be euthanized.

Sheriff’s special investigators are also working with Animal Control and investigators from the District Attorney’s Office on the case and are calling for the public’s help.

Anyone who suspects any mistreatment or abandonment of animals, or any event that leads to the torture of animals, is encouraged to report it to the Sheriff’s Office by 916-874-5115. Those with information can also call Sacramento Valley Crime Stoppers at 916-443-4357 (HELP).

Tip information may also be left anonymously at sacsheriff.com or by calling 916-874-8477 (TIPS).

This story was originally published December 9, 2024 at 8:35 AM.

Darrell Smith

The Sacramento Bee

916-321-1040

Darrell Smith is a local reporter for The Sacramento Bee. He joined The Bee in 2006 and previously worked at newspapers in Palm Springs, Colorado Springs and Marysville. Smith was born and raised at Beale Air Force Base and lives in Elk Grove.