Rooster ring raid nets reputed sponsor

ROWE, N.M. (KRQE) - New Mexico State Police Officers took one person into custody and cited 13 others after busting a rooster fighting ring in Rowe, according to Department of Public Safety public information officer Peter Olson.

On July 4 State Police officers took Alejandro Gonzales of Rowe into custody after officers reported finding more than two dozen agitated chickens, a fighting pit and some dead roosters.

Gonzales is charged with felony sponsoring of rooster fights resulting in monetary gain or entertainment, according to Olson. He is in the San Miguel Detention Center on a $5,000 cash only bond.

Officers cited 13 others for being present at a rooster fight without attempting to interfere or stop the contest.

The Department of Public Safety Special Investigations Division, the Attorney General Animal Cruelty Task Force and San Miguel County animal control officers are all assisting in the investigation.