Fighting roosters are in cages Dec. 1, 2024, at 31057 Klaus Road, Hermiston. The Umatilla County Sheriff's Office responded to the site on a report of cockfighting and seized more than 30 roosters and made one arrest. The investigation continues.

HERMISTON — The Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office seized more than 30 roosters and made one arrest Sunday, Dec. 1, when it broke up a cockfighting event.

According to the sheriff’s office, deputies responded to 31057 Klaus Road, Hermiston, on a report of cockfighting in progress. When the initial deputy arrived, a group of 20 or more people, including some children, took off running from the buildings and property.

The sheriff’s office detained one male — Francisco Hernandez Ramirez, 48, of Kennewick.

A sheriff’s detective and additional deputies responded to conduct the investigation. The sheriff’s office seized the fighting roosters along with other evidence.

The sheriff’s office arrested Ramirez and booked him into the county jail in Pendleton on the charge of cockfighting. Cockfighting is a Class C felony in Oregon.

The Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office also reported the investigation is ongoing and asked the public to report any cockfighting event within the county to local law enforcement.