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Instagram Videos Lead To Bust Of Fontana Cockfighting Ring

FONTANA (CBSLA.com) — An Instagram account promoting a cockfighting ring led to its bust, Fontana police officials said Wednesday.

A warrant was served at a home in the 17300 block of Randall in Fontana, where officers found dozens of roosters, many injured and sick, along with more than a dozen short knives and sparring muffs used as implements on the animals.

Investigators who had received a tip of illegal cockfighting taking place at the home had discovered several graphic videos on Instagram showing roosters fighting to the death, Fontana police officials said. It appeared the account was being used to promote breeding, training, selling and fighting of roosters.

A total of 30 injured and sick roosters were confiscated and humanely euthanized, police said. Roosters bred and trained for fighting cannot return to a normal farm life.

Dead roosters with fresh wounds consistent with illegal cockfighting were also confiscated, police said.

Cockfighting is illegal in all 50 states, and possession of fighting fowl and fighting paraphernalia is also illegal.

Antonio Alvarez, 21, who owned the Instagram account, was arrested on animal cruelty charges. He was released on bail Wednesday, according to San Bernardino County Sheriff's jail records.

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