Cockfighting ring charges upsets community

Imperial County residents said John Matthew Chappalear of Brawley should be held accountable if the allegations against him of running a cockfighting ring are true.

They said cockfighting is a cruel and bloody form of animal cruelty.

The County Sheriff raided two properties outside Westmorland on Tuesday morning. They seized over 299 birds and several items and tools they said are used in cockfighting, such as blades and leg attachments for the birds.

Imperial Valley Expo officials said they provided sheriff’s deputies with cages to properly secure the animals. The birds are being cared for at the local animal control facility.

Ernesto Avila, City of Imperial, said, ” Inhumane. It’s brutal, bloody, gory and i think anybody who’s involved in something should be ashamed of themselves. I think we should prosecute him to the extent of the law. ”

Chappalear , 61, is free on bail awaiting his court date.

Please watch our newscasts for more information.