Crackdown on Illegal Cockfighting Operation in Texas Leads to Arrests and Seizures
Date: 2023-11-11 Author: Dima Zakharov Categories: EVENTS
The Illegal Cockfighting Operation:
The incident unfolded last month when the San Jacinto County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call about animal cruelty. Upon arriving at the scene on Maxine Road, Cleveland, law enforcement discovered between 250 and 300 individuals engaged in or watching illegal cockfighting.
Arrests and Charges:
As law enforcement arrived, the participants scattered into the nearby woods, leaving behind around 100 vehicles. Nineteen individuals were apprehended, with 18 facing misdemeanor charges for attending the illegal cockfights. One person was charged with a felony for active participation, and another faced a felony charge for possession of a controlled substance.
Seizures and Paraphernalia:
A total of 96 live birds were seized from various cages, vehicles, and transport boxes at the scene. Alongside the live birds, authorities found deceased birds and cockfighting paraphernalia, including gaffs – razor-sharp objects attached to the birds' feet for fighting.
Law Enforcement's Statement:
“Animal Cruelty will NOT be tolerated in San Jacinto County,” stated the San Jacinto County Sheriff’s Office, emphasizing their commitment to combating such activities.
Cash and Firearms Seized:
Apart from live birds and paraphernalia, the police discovered large sums of cash and firearms during the operation. A total of $22,096 in cash was seized from the 19 individuals arrested. Among them, one person was found with $6,000 in cash. Firearms, including five fully loaded semi-automatic pistols, were also confiscated from vehicles on the site.
Undocumented Aliens Involved:
Out of the 19 arrested individuals, seven were believed to be undocumented aliens, adding another layer of complexity to the case.
