On Saturday, multiple people were arrested and cited after an active cockfighting ring was discovered near Tonopah.
According to the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office (MSCO), January 10, 2026, deputies responded to a welfare check in Tonopah and discovered evidence of an active cockfighting operation. Deputies located a cockfighting ring, live and deceased altered roosters, cockfighting equipment, and gambling-related materials.
A total of 34 live altered roosters and multiple deceased birds were found on the property. Several people were arrested and charged in connection with the investigation.
The live roosters were humanely euthanized by MCSO’s contracted veterinarian with assistance from the Arizona Department of Agriculture.
This remains an active investigation.
For the most part I agree with the 8th Amendment, but in some instances, you just wish to see justice done, and justice would be to put the cockfighting ring organizers and bettors into a locked cage with no water and no food, with Bowie knives, and only let out the last survivor.