Redmond, Ore. — Detectives with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) seized 228 roosters on Wednesday, November 4th, during a search of a property northeast of Redmond, just outside Crook County, as part of a long-term investigation into an alleged large-scale cockfighting operation.
The search was conducted by DCSO’s Street Crimes Unit at a property off O’Neil Highway, following complaints from neighbors about excessive noise, large gatherings and increased late-night traffic.
According to DCSO, detectives and Animal Control personnel developed evidence suggesting the property was being used for organized cockfighting, an illegal activity involving roosters forced to fight one another.
During the search, investigators discovered 228 roosters confined in cages or tethered throughout the property.
Detectives also recovered equipment commonly associated with cockfighting, including “sparring muffs” and a bladed weapon known as a “slasher.”
Sparring muffs are placed over a rooster’s natural spurs to allow birds to spar during training without causing serious injuries. Slashers are blades attached to a rooster’s leg and used during organized fights.
DCSO said the case remains under investigation and is currently being reviewed by a Deschutes County grand jury.
Authorities have not released the identities of any suspects, citing the ongoing investigation and grand jury proceedings.
Under Oregon law, cockfighting is a Class C felony punishable by up to five years in prison, a $125,000 fine, or both.
Investigators said additional charges could be filed as evidence continues to be reviewed.
DCSO credited community members whose reports helped initiate the investigation and emphasized its commitment to investigating animal cruelty.
The Deschutes County District Attorney’s Office also acknowledged the extensive work of detectives and Animal Control personnel throughout the investigation and execution of the search warrant.
Authorities did not provide information about where the seized roosters are being housed or what will happen to the animals while the investigation continues.
Mr. Alderman is an investigative journalist specializing in government transparency, non-profit accountability, consumer protection, and is a subject matter expert on Oregon’s public records and meetings laws. As a former U.S. Army Military Police Officer, he brings a disciplined investigative approach to his reporting that has frequently exposed ethics violations, financial mismanagement, and transparency failures by public officials and agencies.
