Several birds and blades were confiscated during a search at a residence and restaurant. According to the Orange County Register 827 birds were taken from a Fullerton resident at a property outside of Orange County. At his Anaheim restaurant blades were found which are tied to a rooster’s talons when fighting other birds. Also taken into evidence were ribbons and awards given to the suspect for cockfighting events. Similar fighting blades were found at the man’s Fullerton home. In total there were 669 blades confiscated according to the San Diego County animal services. The suspect can face misdemeanor charges per each blade and charges of possession of birds with intent to fight according to the article. A spokesperson for San Diego animal services also explained that the birds were euthanized since they were trained and bred to kill other birds. This is not the first time authorities have seized roosters from the suspect, however charges were not filed at that time.

Two Orange County men are facing charges in federal court for conspiracy for coordinating the smuggling of live birds into the United States.

Duc Le entered a plea in federal court to conspiracy and now faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison at his sentencing on June 23rd. And, Sony Dong pleaded guilty to smuggling and faces a maximum of 20 years in prison.

Dong admitted to flying from Vietnam to Los Angeles International airport (LAX) with 14 live birds strapped to his legs under his pants. He was searched after the plane landed because birds’ feathers were peeking out from his pants.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Williams has commented that birds from Southeast Asia commonly carry avian influenza and usually have to be quarantined before coming into the U.S. in addition to the requirement that individuals must obtain permits before bringing in such wildlife.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE