Some 7000 birds have been seized in one of the largest illegal cockfighting raids in US history, authorities say.
Roosters, hens and chicks along with mobile cockfighting pits, slashing blades used during fights to the death and other equipment were found on a property in remote northwest Los Angeles.
Injured and dead roosters also were discovered, officials said.
"This was a breeding operation and also a place where the fights took place," sheriff's Sergeant Bob Boese told the Santa Clarita Valley Signal after Monday's raid by about 100 Los Angeles County sheriff's deputies.
The birds, goats and about 50 guard dogs were turned over to county animal control officials.
Two handguns also were seized.
About 10 people were detained, including the property owners and others working on the property, Boese said.
Arrests would be made after detectives and prosecutors determine which specific laws were broken, he said.
Although illegal, cockfighting remains a popular and lucrative betting sport.
In 2007, authorities seized 2700 birds during a raid on the same property.
Last November, nearly a dozen people were detained and several roosters were rescued when authorities busted a weekend cockfighting tournament at a Santa Clarita farm, where spectators bet thousands of dollars.
