The Tift County Sheriff’s Office arrested 16 men who were allegedly involved in gamecock fighting Saturday at 7 Sherri Lane.

Maj. Bobby Brannen at the TCSO stated in an e-mail that Deputy Rick Dorden responded to 7 Sherri Lane in reference to rooster fighting. He said upon Dorden’s arrival, he observed several Hispanic males behind the residence who appeared to be fighting roosters underneath a shelter.

He further explained that when Dorden exited his patrol car, several of the suspects fled on foot. Dorden called for assistance and other deputies responded, as well as Investigator Chad Branch of the sheriff’s office criminal investigation division.

Brannen said Animal Control officers were notified, and they also responded to the scene and took custody of approximately 40 birds (roosters, hens and biddies).

He stated that a search warrant was executed at the location and various items related to rooster fighting were recovered.

A total of 16 defendants were charged with aggravated cruelty to animals (a felony). Three of the defendants were charged with obstruction without force (a misdemeanor); one was also charged with giving a false name. All defendants except one have made bond on the charges, Brannen noted.

The following men were arrested:

• Juan-Carlos Ramirez, 34, 529 Alabama Drive, was charged with aggravated cruelty to animals and obstruction without force.

• Jesus Calvillo Hernandez, 32, 6115 Rolling Road, Valdosta, was charged with aggravated cruelty to animals.

• Teodoro Huerta-Lopez, 26, 818 Lindsey St., was charged with aggravated cruelty to animals and obstruction without force.

• Rolando Gonzalez, 31, 7216 Ousley Road, Valdosta, was charged with aggravated cruelty to animals and obstruction without force.

• Mauricio Huerta-Lopez, 23, 7 Sherri Lane, was charged with aggravated cruelty to animals.

• Teodoro Huerta-Lopez, 26, 818 Lindsey St., was charged with aggravated cruelty to animals and obstruction without force.

• Rolando Gonzalez, 31, 7216 Ousley Road, Valdosta, was charged with aggravated cruelty to animals and obstruction without force.

• Mauricio Huerta-Lopez, 23, 7 Sherri Lane, was charged with aggravated cruelty to animals.

• Jose Huerta, 24, 7 Sherri Lane, was charged with aggravated cruelty to animals.

• Perciliano Calvillo, 26, 6115 Rowland Road, Valdosta, was charged with aggravated cruelty to animals.

• Omar Pablo Reyes, 27, 524 Alabama Drive, was charged with aggravated cruelty to animals.

• Jose Calvan, 46, 6115 Rowland Road, Valdosta, was charged with aggravated cruelty to animals.

• Jaime Santa Marie, 29, 49 Sun Valley Lane, Taylorsville, N.C., was charged with aggravated cruelty to animals.

• Gonzalez Antonio Trejo, 35, 1340 Ken Holyoak Road, Alapaha, was charged with aggravated cruelty to animals.

• Modesto Huerta, 27, 7 Sherri Lane, was charged with aggravated cruelty to animals.

• Ismael Huerta, 32, 75 Palmetta Road, Lot 7, was charged with aggravated cruelty to animals.

• Javier Soto, 27, unknown address, Alapaha, was charged with aggravated cruelty to animals.

• Leonel Caville, 25, 6115 Rowland Road, Valdosta, was charged with aggravated cruelty to animals.

• Dwayne Ulysses Cherry, 31, 6806 N.W. 26th Trail, Jennings, Fla., was charged with aggravated cruelty to animals.