Six people have been charged with nearly 80 animal cruelty counts after police discovered over six dozen dead roosters at a central Kentucky residence.
Initially, a Bourbon County deputy, during an investigation at a home on Clay-Kiser Road near Paris, “observed a number of deceased roosters behind the residence,” Kentucky State Police said.
Troopers then responded to the scene and, after obtaining a search warrant, confirmed there were 79 deceased roosters at the location along with others that were severely injured. The investigation indicated the deaths and injuries were a direct result of chicken-fighting activities, state police said.
Several of the injured roosters were euthanized after a veterinarian evaluated the injuries and told law enforcement that the adult chickens would not recover.
As a result, six people were charged with 79 counts of second-degree cruelty to animals: 33-year-old Abel Aguirer, 30-year-old Marco Espinoza, 30-year-old Fabian Lopez, 28-year-old Cierra Cooper, 38-year-old Gil Aguirer, and 43-year-old Maeja Hepibetomeia.
The investigation is ongoing.
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
