833 Roosters Seized in Alleged Sonoma County Cockfighting Operation

Authorities arrested a Santa Rosa man on suspicion of animal cruelty and other charges related to the suspected illegal bird fighting ring.

Feb. 26, 2026 at 9:38pm

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Sonoma County authorities seized 833 roosters and arrested a 30-year-old Santa Rosa man this week while executing a search warrant at a rural property on Stony Point Road. Investigators reported finding evidence 'consistent with bird fighting,' including slashers, timers, veterinary medications, and other paraphernalia typically associated with illegal cockfighting operations.

Why it matters

Cockfighting is banned in all 50 states, as the events are often linked to illegal gambling and other criminal activities. Sonoma County has seen similar cases in the past, highlighting the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in cracking down on this form of animal cruelty.

The details

During the search, authorities discovered evidence 'consistent with bird fighting,' including slashers, timers, veterinary medications and conditioning supplements, identification bands, betting slips, and small-denomination currency. Saul Villalobos-Delacruz, a 30-year-old Santa Rosa resident, was arrested and booked on suspicion of animal cruelty and additional charges related to the alleged bird fighting operation.

  • The search warrant was executed on February 24, 2026.

The players

Sonoma County Sheriff

The law enforcement agency that led the investigation and executed the search warrant.

Saul Villalobos-Delacruz

A 30-year-old Santa Rosa resident who was arrested and booked on suspicion of animal cruelty and charges related to the alleged cockfighting operation.

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What’s next

Authorities are continuing to investigate the suspected cockfighting operation, and the case against Saul Villalobos-Delacruz is pending.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to crack down on illegal cockfighting operations, which are not only cruel to the animals involved but also often linked to other criminal activities. The seizure of 833 roosters is a significant disruption to the suspected fighting ring.