LANCASTER — A judge has ruled that roosters, performance enhancing drugs and equipment used to train fighting dogs may be used as evidence against a man facing a felony charge of owning fighting animals.
Judge Joseph C. Madenspacher ruled Monday that the evidence seized in May 2006 at the home of Ivan Ruiz Rivera, 36, could be used in the trial, which began today (Tuesday). Rivera was also charged with a summary count of cruelty to animals.
Defense attorney Robert Bacher argued that authorities illegally searched the home of Rivera, who was not home and did not give them permission to enter.
City police Sgt. Robert Means said when police went to try to arrest Rivera for a protection-from-abuse-order violation, they discovered pit bulls, roosters, steroids, training equipment and a “breaking stick” used to pry jaws open to separate fighting dogs.
Though Rivera was not home, Means said tenant Dee Talbot gave police permission to search the house. Madenspacher ruled that the search was legal and said Assistant District Attorney Christine L. Wilson may use all the items found in the house as evidence. Jury selection was completed Monday.
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