WASHINGTON — Five men are accused of running a cockfighting ring in Virginia’s Loudoun County, as well as other animal-cruelty charges.
The Loudoun County Animal Service’s office says that on March 17 it received a complaint about mistreatment of a horse in Sterling, Virginia.
When Animal Services Officers went to investigate, they found a large number of roosters that they say showed signs of being used in cockfighting. They searched four properties in Sterling and Leesburg and found what they call “devices and substances intended to enhance an animal’s ability to fight or inflict injury on another animal.”
On May 6, officers arrested Juan Romo, Hector Romo, Israel Gomez and Antonio Bermejo. The department is still looking for Jamie Bermejo Gibrann. They all face felony animal fighting charges, and the maximum penalties for convictions are five years in jail or a fine of $2,500.
Loudoun County Animal Services says that anyone with information about this case, or other possible animal cruelty or fighting, should call 703-777-0406 or the Humane Society animal fighting tip line at 877-TIP-HSUS. In some cases, the Humane Society can offer a reward.
