Deputies responded to a report of a large group of vehicles at a private property on Mahoney Road near the airport around 11 a.m. Sunday. When they arrived, a group of 20 to 30 people fled the scene on foot.
An investigation uncovered 19 roosters, two of which had to be euthanized due to injuries sustained in the fighting. Items consistent with gambling and rooster fighting, including metal spurs, twine, tape and items used to weigh and transport the animals were also found, authorities said.
Cipriano Rodriguez, 77, of Santa Barbara and Armando Villa, 32, of Santa Ynez were cited for possession of fighting birds and for trespassing. Jose Alvarez, 85, of Santa Maria and Carlos Villa, 55, of Buellton were cited for trespassing.
The case has been forwarded to the Santa Barbara County District Attorney's Office for prosecution.
