Birds used for cockfighting put down

The man accused of operating a cockfighting ring in Westmorland was in court today.

John Chappelear appeared in court for his preliminary setting, but news regarding a sealed warrant has now pushed back his court date.

Chappelear is facing five different counts, including the killing and torturing of animals, owning birds for fighting and operating a cockfighting ring.

Chappelear’s lawyer said one of the three warrants against the suspect was sealed, and requested that both parties meet once access to it was granted.

“When you do harm to animals, from animals you go on to harming people, and we will be here. we will pursue it and we’re not gonna let it go,” said Amelia Felician , Animal Justice Advocates.

Chappelear was arrested by the Imperial County Sheriff’s Office in May for allegedly running a cockfighting ring in Westmorland.

Officers seized nearly 300 birds, as well as tools they said were used for cockfighting.

” I was shocked ,I didn’t know that they did that. I learned that that day, ” said Felician .

We have learned new details about the fate of those birds that were seized.

The Imperial County Sheriff’s Office ( ICSO ), confirmed most of the birds had to be put down.

The county had planned to put them up for adoption, but ICSO deputies said the birds were far too aggressive and displayed erratic behavior.

Chappelear is expected back in court later this month at the Brawley Courtroom West.