Sheriff’s Office breaks up cockfighting ring

Robert Perea, The Fernley Reporter

Following an anonymous complaint called in to Lyon County Animal Services, the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office broke up an active cockfighting ring in Silver Springs Saturday afternoon.

At approximately 12:41 p.m., Lyon County Animal Services received an anonymous complaint from a caller who was hearing a large amount of roosters crowing at a residence on 10^th Street in Silver Springs.. Animal Services requested assistance from the Sheriff’s Office.

When Animal Services and deputies arrived, they saw numerous people and vehicles. According to the LCSO, a deputy passed several people and entered an “open-air” barn and approached an area where a large congregation of people were standing. In doing so, the deputy witnessed hand-to-hand wagering and observed roosters fighting.

Deputies said the people engaged in the event started to flee the scene, with most being detained.

Deputies found 59 dead roosters in the vicinity of the barn. Approximately 50-75 live chickens were seized, as well as numerous implements commonly used when fighting animals.

Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to contact the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office at (775) 577-5206. Callers may also remain anonymous by contacting Secret Witness at https://secretwitness.com or by text or phone at (775) 322-4900.