Animal Control officers seized 58 chickens from a Lompoc Valley property this week related to an ongoing cockfighting investigation.

The officers, who work for a division of Santa Barbara County Animal Services, served search warrants Wednesday at a home on the 800 block of East Pine Avenue in the city of Lompoc and a property in the unincorporated area northeast of the city on the 3000 block of Avena Road. 

Animal Control officers were assisted by Sheriff’s Office detectives and Rural Crime Unit deputies. 

At the East Pine Avenue property, officers found items that are commonly associated with cockfighting, according to Animal Control field supervisor Joan Robb. That included sharp blades, known as slashers or navajas, which are attached to birds during fights. 

Several chickens living in unsanitary and overcrowded conditions were also found at the property, according to Animal Control. 

At the more remote property, officers seized 58 game fowl-type chickens, Robb said. 

“Many of the birds showed physical signs consistent with cockfighting, including removed combs and wattles, trimmed natural spurs, and healing wounds,” according to Animal Control. 

No arrests had been made as of Friday afternoon, and the investigation was ongoing, Robb said. 

“The chickens are unavailable for placement at this time,” Robb added, saying they will let the community know if that changes. 

Information about cockfighting activity can be reported to Santa Barbara County Animal Services online or by calling 833.422.8413. 

Robb told Noozhawk that Animal Control has seized more than 300 chickens involved in cockfighting since the rooster ordinance went into effect in 2024.

County supervisors passed rules limiting how many roosters people can keep, based on the size of their property, in response to concerns about noise and cockfighting.