The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department’s Rural Crimes Task Force carried out a six-week operation called “Crowing Rooster” from June 14, 2025, through August 1, 2025. The task force included deputies from Victor Valley Station Rural Crimes, Victor Valley Station, Twin Peaks Station, San Bernardino County Probation, the District Attorney’s Office, and Code Enforcement. Animal Care Services and animal control and code enforcement officers from Hesperia and Highland also supported the operation.
Investigators served 26 search warrants at multiple locations across San Bernardino County during the operation. They arrested ten individuals on felony charges and 46 others for misdemeanor crimes such as animal cruelty. Authorities relinquished approximately 3,500 birds used in cockfighting to Animal Care Services. In addition to the arrests and seizures of animals, investigators confiscated more than $259,000 in cash. They also recovered twelve firearms—including three untraceable “ghost guns”—and seized narcotics including cocaine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl with an estimated street value of $11,000.
Rural Crimes Task Force investigates a range of rural offenses that include animal cruelty as well as thefts involving copper, fuel, heavy equipment, livestock, fencing materials, and cargo.
A total of 56 suspects were arrested during this operation. The department has released the names of those taken into custody. Individuals with information related to this investigation are encouraged to contact the Victor Valley station or leave anonymous tips via We-Tip at www.wetip.com.
Sergeant J. Necochea is listed as a point of contact for further information about the case.
“SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department”
