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120 roosters found at Phoenix home suspected to be part of cockfighting ring, DEA says

The Drug Enforcement Agency made a shocking discovery while conducting a drug bust at a south Phoenix home Thursday morning.

Officials say they found about 120 roosters suspected to be a part of an illegal cockfighting ring at a home near 15th Avenue and Corona Broadway Road.

Various animal care organizations highlight the dangers associated with cockfighting.

“Cockfighting runs rampant in Arizona, and this gruesome blood sport is not only cruel, but it is a serious risk to human health and safety as fighting birds can easily spread Newcastle disease and avian influenza to commercial poultry flocks and waterfowl in the wild," said Marty Irby, executive director of Animal Wellness Action.

According to state law, cockfighting is a Class 5 felony.

Ignacio Ventura is a reporter for KJZZ. He graduated from the University of Southern California with a bachelor’s degree in creative writing and a minor in news media and society.