ST. PAUL, NE — 10 people are facing charges after Central Nebraska authorities say they busted an illegal rooster fighting ring.

Howard County Sheriff Tom Busch says his office received a 911 call about possible illegal gambling activity involving roosters on Saturday afternoon. A deputy and a Nebraska Game and Parks officer investigated and obtained a search warrant for a property southeast of St. Paul.

Busch says the search showed the illegal gambling involved pitting animals to fight against each other. 10 people were arrested on felony charges and the animals were seized. Most of the people were from outside of the county. 

The Merrick County Sheriff’s Office, St. Paul Police Department and a local veterinarian assisted during the incident.