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300 Roosters Found; 2 Charged In Connection With Cockfighting Ring

OCALA (CBS4/AP)— Two men were arrested and charged after officials said the men were breeding and training roosters for cockfights.

Both men were charged with fighting or baiting animals after 300 roosters were found on a farm near Ocala.

Authorities said 60-year-old Joseph Randall Serena and 49-year-old Eduardo Gonzalez were arrested Thursday on charges of fighting and baiting animals.

Officials at the Marion County Sheriff's Office said the men were breeding and training the roosters for cockfights.

The Ocala Star Banner reports the roosters and about 100 hens were found Wednesday in two barns in cages. Animal control officers went to the barn after the sheriff's office received an anonymous tip.

Jail records show bond was set at $5,000 each. It wasn't immediately known if they have an attorney.

(© 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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