400 Chickens Rescued, 3 People Charged In Animal Fighting Operation: Kendall Sheriff

YORKVILLE, IL — Four hundred gamefowl were rescued and three people were charged after Kendall County sheriff's detectives executed a search warrant Sept. 25 in Little Rock Township, officials said Monday afternoon.

Detectives served the warrant in the 0-1000 block of Vilmin Road and found 400 chickens and other evidence, according to a news release. Kendall County Animal Control helped remove the animals, which were evaluated and transferred to reputable rescue organizations, where possible, officials said.

The sheriff's office launched an investigation Aug. 26 for suspicion of violations of the Animals in Entertainment Act.

Manuel Alarcon, a 37-year-old man from Plano; Yanina Alava, a 46-year-old woman from Plano; and Alejandro Alvarez, a 37-year-old man from Aurora, were issued charges as a result of the investigation.

The Kendall County State's Attorney's Office approved the following felonies against Alarcon and Alava:

• 12 counts of violations of Animals in Entertainment Act (own animals for sport fighting)
• 12 counts of violations of Animals in Entertainment Act (train animals for sport fighting)
• One count of violations of Animals in Entertainment Act (breed animal for sport fighting)
• One count of violations of Animals in Entertainment Act (own equipment for sport fighting)

Alvarez is facing these felony charges:

• 11 counts of violations of Animals in Entertainment Act (own animal for sport fighting)
• 11 counts of violations of Animals in Entertainment Act (train animal for sport fighting)
• One count of violations of Animals in Entertainment Act (own equipment for sport fighting)

All three people were taken to the Kendall County Sheriff's Office for processing. They were released with pre-trial conditions following court hearings on Sept. 27.

The sheriff's office continues investigating the case.