BELLEVUE, Nebraska - Five Bellevue residents are facing charges after animal control officers with the Nebraska Humane Society seized 114 roosters/gamecocks and 49 hens and chicks from a home at 8516 S 15th Street on Friday, September 20th.
Salvador Lopez, Bernabe Mendoza Chavez, Jose Gerardo Soria, Veronica Herrera and Jose Lopez were arrested for felony cockfighting.
The poultry are being held and cared for by the Nebraska Humane Society while the criminal prosecution is pending.
Four dogs, four kittens and a goat were also taken from the same property for animal neglect.
This is the second largest of three cockfighting cases that the Nebraska Humane Society has seen in the past three years. Officials say this brutal sport for the birds involved is a clear demonstration of animal cruelty to the highest extent.
The Nebraska Humane Society states they will continue to pursue prosecutions for those who choose to be involved in this illegal practice.