Provo police have busted an apparent cockfighting ring, where they arrested 17 people and found hundreds of live roosters and dozens of dead ones.
The Saturday evening raid happened on farm property at 1215 W. 600 South in Provo, police said in a Monday news release. The property was rented, and used separately from the residence at the location.
Under a search warrant, police first flew a drone above the property and found evidence of suspicious activity, the release said. Then, after obtaining a second warrant, officers entered the property, and many of the people inside scattered.
Searching the property, police said officers found a large fighting ring and paraphernalia related to game fighting. Officers also found 363 live roosters, as well as 56 dead roosters in garbage bins and bags, the release said.
All 17 people arrested were booked into the Utah County jail, each on suspicion of game fowl fighting, a class B misdemeanor.
Seven were also suspected of aggravated animal cruelty (intentional), a class A misdemeanor, and five were accused of failing to stop at the command of police, also a class A misdemeanor, jail records indicate.
One person arrested also was suspected of possessing a controlled substance, a class B misdemeanor.
Provo police said Monday the investigation remains active.