Cockfighting Operation Discovered During Welfare Check
Image from scene | Courtesy of SCSO
“Yesterday, July 9, 2024, at around 11:45am deputies responded to a welfare check on the 30000 Blk of Highland Way near the Summit. While deputies were in the area, they discovered an unrelated cockfighting pit.
They immediately wrote a search warrant, obtained approval, and spent most of the night searching the property. During the search, Deputies and Animal Control Officers located ten firearms and approximately 200 roosters, all which had been mutilated for the attachment of cockfighting knives.
While the scene was being processed, deputies ensured to feed and give water to the hungry birds.
40-year-old Juan Buenrostro Ochoa was arrested in connection to the case and this is an ongoing investigation.
Anyone with further information about this case, or similar illegal activities can contact Deputy Renwick drew.renwick@santacruzcountyca.gov or Deputy Eisner Jeffrey.Eisner@santacruzcountyca.gov.”
