KUSA — Sheriff's deputies have arrested a man for animal fighting in unincorporated Weld County.
The Weld County Sheriff's Office says deputies arrested Rafael Gonzalez, 59, of Lakewood, on Saturday, March 31 at a residence in the 49000 block of Weld County Road 96, east of Briggsdale.
Deputies first responded to the residence just after 10 a.m. on Saturday on a report of animal cruelty/cockfighting. After speaking with the property owner, deputies found evidence consistent with animal fighting.
Deputies seized 47 live roosters, one of which was injured, as well as "fighting paraphernalia." The roosters were taken to the Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital.
Gonzalez was arrested on 47 counts of Animal Fighting, four counts of Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor and Cruelty to Animals. He is being held without bond.
Anyone with information about this animal fighting incident is asked to contact the Weld County Sheriff's Office at 970-356-4015 or the Crime Tip Line at 970-304-6464.
The Weld County Sheriff's Office wants to remind the public that rooster fighting is illegal in Colorado.
