Several people charged in Central KY after more than 70 roosters found dead or injured
Several people were charged with animal cruelty in Bourbon County after investigators found more than 70 roosters dead or severely injured from cock fighting, according to Kentucky State Police.
KSP investigators and the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office learned about the cock fighting ring on Clay-Kiser Road near Paris Sunday. KSP said a deputy originally responded to the property for a report of a disturbance, but the deputy saw multiple dead roosters while at the scene.
KSP was requested, and a search warrant was approved for the property. KSP found 79 dead or injured roosters during the search.
A veterinarian determined the severely injured roosters were beyond recovery and were humanely euthanized, according to court documents.
KSP charged six people with second-degree animal cruelty in connection to the cock fighting ring. They are:
- Abel Aguirer, 33
- Gil Aguirer, 38
- Maeja Hepibetomeia, 43
- Marco Espinoza, 30, of Portsmouth, Ohio
- Fabian Lopez, 30, of Portsmouth, Ohio
- Cierra Cooper, 28, of Portsmouth, Ohio
Each of the six suspects has been charged with 79 counts of animal cruelty, according to court records. The charge is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable up to 12 months in prison.
KSP is continuing to investigate the case.
