(Greensboro, NC) -- The Guilford County Sheriff's Office has arrested a Greensboro man for a cockfighting ring.
Deputies arrested Umberto Almazan Rubio after a search of his property showed it was being used for cockfighting and for raising roosters for such purposes.
Authorities also found medication to make the birds larger and stronger along with antibiotics to heal the injured birds. Tethers were found anchored to the ground for training and many of the larger birds had bands around their leg for the tether connection.
The rooster's spurs and combs had been removed which is another sign that the birds are used for fighting. Most of the roosters were kept in small cages under poor conditions.
Animal control seized 252 chickens which included a mix of roosters, hens and chicks. They plan on putting down all 62 males, and hope to find homes for the hens and chicks.
Umberto Almazan Rubio was charged with 2 felony charges which include Cockfighting and Altering the Serial Number of a Firearm and 1 misdemeanor charge of Animal Cruelty.
Rubio is being held in the Guilford County Jail under a $25,000.00 bond and with an ICE Immigration Detainer.
All animals involved are now in the custody of animal control.