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Winter Haven Man Accused Of Cockfighting

Polk County Sheriff's Office

Cody Gibbs of Winter Haven faces felony charges of fighting and baiting animals after Polk County sheriff's deputies say they found a total of 61 caged roosters and hens in his yard as well as fighting paraphernalia.

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Published: March 10, 2009

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Cody Gibbs

A Winter Haven man was arrested Tuesday morning on felony charges of fighting and baiting animals after Polk County sheriff's deputies found a total of 61 caged roosters and hens in his yard.

Cody Lance Gibbs, 39, of 2210 Lake Drive NW, Winter Haven, was also charged with possession of animal fighting equipment. Deputies went to Gibbs' house about 11:30 a.m. after receiving an anonymous tip that he was running cockfights, sheriff's spokeswoman Donna Wood said in a written statement.

When deputies arrived, they saw numerous roosters in cages that lined the yard. Inside the house, deputies found magazines and videotapes about fighting roosters along with equipment used in fighting, such as boots and spurs.

Gibbs gave deputies permission to search his house, Wood said.

Investigators also found a photo album which had pictures of Gibbs fighting several roosters, Wood said.

Gibbs admitted to owning all the rooster-related items but denied he allowed the animals to fight, Wood said.

Gibbs is being held tonight on $2,000 bail at Polk County Jail.

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