VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. -- Two people have been charged with animal fighting after an investigation in Virginia Beach.
On July 23 Animal Control Officers and Police responded to the 500 block of Dam Neck Road as part of an ongoing animal cruelty investigation, officials said.
They said more than 200 chickens were removed from the property and released to Animal Control by the owner, according to WTKR.
"We found evidence that supports animal fighting charges and the animal fighting code actually covers a wide variety elements," said Meghan Conti, a supervisor with Virginia Beach Animal Control. "It’s not just fighting animals. It can be owning the animals, participating in fighting, raising, selling or bartering."
Police said the first suspect is 52-year-old Emmannuel Limh Garcia. Garcia has been charged with 10 counts of Animal Fighting and one count of Conspiracy to Commit Felony. Garcia is being held in the Virginia Beach Correction Center without bond.
The second suspect is 75-year-old Rolando Salazar Geronimo. Geronimo has been charged with 10 counts of Animal Fighting, two counts of Animal Fighting and one count of Conspiracy to Commit Felony. Geronimo has been released on bond.
The animals are in the care of Animal Control. and police said they are consulting with the Virginia State Veterinarian's Office and the shelter veterinarian for disposition recommendations.
The case remains under investigation.
