3 charged after alleged cockfighting operation found in Forest Lake
FOREST LAKE, Minn. (FOX 9) - Three people are facing animal cruelty charges after investigators uncovered what they say was a cockfighting operation at a Forest Lake property.
Alleged cockfighting operation uncovered
What we know:
The charges stem from a follow-up investigation in November 2025, when animal control conducted a visit to a Forest Lake property in connection with prior animal cruelty complaints. During that visit, officers obtained a search warrant and found dogs they believed were living in inadequate conditions, along with numerous dead chickens in the yard.
Investigators then reported finding roosters being kept in conditions consistent with cockfighting.
Timeline:
Authorities obtained an additional search warrant and seized seven live chickens — six roosters and one hen — along with four dead roosters as evidence. They were also shown videos that authorities say showed cockfighting taking place on the property, and investigators were later able to match blood marks seen in the videos to specific spots on the property.
Beyond the birds, investigators say they found equipment and medical supplies associated with cockfighting. That included birds whose natural spurs had been removed and what was described as "training carpet."
Yang called animal control
What they're saying:
After the search, the charges state Chou Yang, 50, of Oakdale called animal control to report that he was missing one rooster and two transport boxes. Yang denied owning any of the other equipment that were seized except for a medication that he said he had ordered from Thailand.
Yang was charged via summons in Washington County District Court on Aug. 27. He faces one felony count and one gross misdemeanor count of cruelty to animals.
The property owner, Sao Yang, 45, and Kal Chia Dang Yang, 23, who showed police the videos, both face the same counts.
The Source: This story is based on a criminal complaint filed in Washington County District Court.