Two charged in suspected cockfighting ring

Last Update: 11/18/2009 5:55 pm

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Two charged in suspected cockfighting ring

EUDORA, Kansas – A suspected Kansas cockfighting ring has been busted as the state gets tough on those who conduct the fights.

Wednesday afternoon, the two men charged in the case made their first appearance in court. Both are charged with illegal cockfighting, which is now a felony in Kansas.

More than 60 agents raided a Rural Douglas property on Tuesday, seizing 169 birds, including 118 gamecocks they say were part of an alleged cockfighting operation.

Ezequiel Olivas, 44, was charged with three felony counts of cockfighting and one count of possession of cockfighting paraphernalia. Forty-year-old Jose Guerrer was charged with unlawful conduct of cockfighting, which is a level 10 non-person felony.

“This really should send a message to cock fighters that Kansas is not going to be a refuge for their activity,” said John Goodwin with the Humane Society of the United States.

The state made cockfighting a felony in July. The move came after authorities raided a large operation in Johnson County. Law enforcement says the sport is not only inhumane to the birds it also attracts other illegal activity.

“Such as gambling and drugs and it also tends to expose people or youngsters to violence, so it's definitely worth pursuing,” said Stephen Lewis with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Department.

However, raising birds for cockfighting, which Sedgwick County sheriff’s deputies believe was happening on a property near Valley Center, is still a misdemeanor.

If convicted, sentences for the crimes depend on prior convictions. All states bordering Kansas classify cockfighting as a felony.

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