Kendall County, IL – More than 400 roosters believed to have been bred and trained for illegal cockfighting were seized from a property on Route 126 in Kendall County as part of a large animal cruelty investigation.
According to the Kendall County Sheriff’s Office, detectives searched a home in the 1100 block of Route 126 in Na Au Say Township on May 21, 2025. During the search, authorities discovered 424 roosters and chickens—commonly known as “gamefowl”—along with equipment and other evidence tied to alleged illegal animal fighting. Some of the birds were taken to animal rescue organizations, while others found to be aggressive or seriously ill were humanely euthanized, according to the sheriff’s office.
Two people from the property, Jose Alicea-Reyes, 51, and Lydia Ramirez, 56, are facing several felony charges, including allegedly owning, breeding, and training birds for fighting, as well as animal torture. Both were also charged with illegally possessing firearms and ammunition. Lydia Ramirez was arrested on May 21 and released with court conditions on May 23. Authorities are still looking for Alicea-Reyes, who may also go by the name Manuel Ramirez.
Anyone with information about Alicea-Reyes is asked to contact the Kendall County Sheriff’s Office at (630) 553-5856 or Crime Stoppers at (630) 553-5999. The investigation is ongoing.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
Follow us on Instagram & Facebook for more relevant news stories and SUPPORT LOCAL INDEPENDENT NEWS! Have a tip? Message us!
