Cockfighting Operation Busted in Collin County
Introduction to Cockfighting
Eight people were arrested Friday after the Collin County Sheriff’s Office busted an alleged cockfighting operation in the Farmersville area, a sting that occurred during the opening week of the illicit cockfighting season. Deputies were dispatched to a rural property on County Road 697 in response to an animal cruelty complaint, according to a sheriff’s office news release.
When they arrived, deputies found 20 people fleeing on foot. After obtaining a search warrant, they seized 55 live fighting roosters, two dead birds, various cockfighting paraphernalia and cash, the news release states.
The Prevalence of Cockfighting
The alleged cockfighting bust follows a Thanksgiving Day raid in Alvarado, where the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office took 25 people into custody and seized more than 50 roosters. Cockfighting is illegal in all 50 states, but the illicit industry persists amid inconsistent enforcement, weak criminal penalties and a robust breeding industry.
Earlier this year Animal Wellness Action labeled the corridor between Tulsa and Dallas as the “primary hub of illegal cockfighting” in the U.S.
Laws Regarding Cockfighting
In Texas, causing a bird to fight and participating in earnings from a fight are felonies. It is a misdemeanor to attend a cockfight, allow the use of property for a fight, own or train a bird with the intent it be used for fighting, and possess paraphernalia like knives that are attached to birds’ legs during deadly battles.
A bill filed in this year’s legislation session sought to make it a felony to own a rooster for fighting or use property for fighting, but it died in committee.
Charges and Arrests
The Collin County Sheriff’s Office charged Maria Eduwiges Noguez Martinez and Diego Armando Alanis with “cockfighting: causes or earns,” a state jail felony.
Leonardo Rodriguez Bautista and Cesar Antonio Gutierrez Pena were each charged with “Cockfighting: Space/Owns/Trains/Equips,” a misdemeanor. They were also charged with evading arrest or detention, according to the sheriff’s office.
Jose Luis Martinez Alvarez, Aldo Jesus Osornia Victorino, Emilio Pereyra Govea, and Zacorios Octavio Castilleja were each charged with evading arrest and issued misdemeanor citations for being spectators at a cockfight.
Investigation and Enforcement
Some were detained on scene while others were located and arrested by deputies in the surrounding area with help from the Hunt County sheriff’s office drone unit, according to the release.
The sheriff’s office stated U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement placed detainers on three individuals determined to be in the U.S. illegally but did not disclose their names. The sheriff’s office stated the case remains under investigation and more charges may be forthcoming.
“The Collin County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to enforcing animal cruelty laws and dismantling illegal animal fighting operations,” according to the release.
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Conclusion
The bust of the alleged cockfighting operation in Collin County is a significant step towards enforcing animal cruelty laws and dismantling illegal animal fighting operations. It highlights the need for consistent enforcement and stronger penalties to combat the illicit industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is cockfighting?
A: Cockfighting is a blood sport where two roosters are forced to fight each other, often to the death, for entertainment and gambling purposes.
Q: Is cockfighting legal in the United States?
A: No, cockfighting is illegal in all 50 states.
Q: What are the penalties for participating in cockfighting?
A: The penalties for participating in cockfighting vary by state, but can include fines and imprisonment. In Texas, causing a bird to fight and participating in earnings from a fight are felonies.
Q: How can I report suspected cockfighting activity?
A: If you suspect cockfighting activity, you can report it to your local animal control or law enforcement agency.
