According to detectives, on January 17, 2020, at about 1:50 p.m., deputies were dispatched 15419 Verona Avenue in unincorporated Clearwater, to assist Pinellas County Animal Services with a complaint of a possible rooster fighting ring.
From the roadway, deputies were able to see several roosters, what appeared to be a fighting ring, and multiple cages in the backyard of the residence.
According to detectives, contact was made with 49-year-old Juan Ortega, to request consent to enter the property in order to conduct a welfare check on the roosters, but consent was declined.
Detectives obtained a search warrant from the State Attorney’s Office, Sixth Judicial Circuit, and entered the property.
Eleven roosters were seized and collected by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).
Detectives say all eleven roosters showed signs of being involved in fighting as their combs were cropped and their feathers were removed from the breasts.
The roosters also appeared to have injuries to their waddles and combs.
Multiple items used in rooster fighting were collected from the backyard to include whip, training devices, clippers, and syringes.
Detectives also discovered a detached garage on the property which contained what appeared to be a marijuana grow operation. Detectives advised they collected 20 marijuana plants from inside the garage.
Additional charges regarding this grow operation are pending, per further analysis.
Detectives transported Ortega to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Administration Building, to conduct an interview, but he requested an attorney and the interview was terminated.
Ortega was arrested about 9 p.m. and charged with one count Fighting or Baiting Animals and one count Felony Cruelty to Animals.
Ortega was transported to the Pinellas County Jail without incident.
The investigation continues and further charges are pending.