Six charged with animal cruelty after suspected cockfighting operation in Bourbon County
PARIS, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – Kentucky State Police have charged six individuals with second-degree cruelty to animals following an investigation into alleged chicken-fighting activities in Bourbon County.
According to KSP, troopers were called in to assist the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) on Sunday, March 2, at a residence on Clay-Kiser Road near Paris. According to authorities, a BCSO deputy initially responded to a disturbance call at the location and discovered multiple deceased roosters behind the residence.
After obtaining a search warrant, troopers and detectives say they found more than 70 dead roosters, along with others that were severely injured. Investigators believe the birds’ deaths and injuries were the direct result of cockfighting.
As a result, the following individuals were charged with cruelty to animals – second degree:
- Abel Aguirer, 33
- Marco Espinoza, 30
- Fabian Lopez, 30
- Cierra Cooper, 28
- Gil Aguirer, 38
- Maeja Hepibetomeia, 43
