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STANISLAUS COUNTY–

More than 24 hours later and there are still no arrests in a massive rooster fighting match in Stanislaus County north of Patterson.

More than 50 birds were killed in the fights — the rest had to be destroyed because they were too aggressive, according to animal control officials.

So far, the men who were putting them against each other have made a clean get away.

“Over 59 males began running and jumping into the river,” said Sgt. Anthony Bejaran, of the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department. “They were able to swim to the other side.”

They left the carnage, and beers cans, behind. And something else: a half-dozen cars or so were towed from the abandoned cow barn Sunday.

Some of those cars are still at the tow lot in Patterson, but others have already been picked up. There is no police hold on them, so the cars’ owners are free to come get them.

Rooster fighting is illegal in California. Police say the men involved would be facing animal cruelty charges, if they are ever caught.

“We’ve come across rooster fighting several times throughout the year in different location throughout the county.”