The State - News from May 9, 1986

Animal control officers in Santa Maria are having their problems taking care of 220 fighting cocks seized at an illegal tournament last weekend. The officers managed to separate the combative birds with cardboard shields between the cages, but the constant crowing has taken some getting used to. It requires all day to feed and water them. The birds keep overturning their water dishes. Chief Animal Control Officer Jan Condon said she is stuck with the creatures until May 27, the date of a Municipal Court hearing. San Luis Obispo County sheriff’s deputies arrested 136 people at the large regional tournament.