The owners of 65 roosters accused of mistreating the birds were no-shows at a civil custody hearing held on Wednesday at the Hunt County Justice of the Peace Precinct 1, Place 2 courthouse in Greenville.
Judge Sheila D. Linden moved forward with the hearing, ruling that custody of the roosters be granted to the SPCA of Texas.
Additionally, the owners were ordered to pay $3,580.00 in restitution. The roosters will remain with the SPCA for 10 days to allow time for any potential appeal from their original owners, as per the law.
On March 30, the SPCA of Texas and the Hunt County Sheriff’s Office seized 65 live roosters and 10 dead ones from a property near Celeste where a cockfight was underway.
The live birds were transported to the SPCA’s Russell E. Dealey Animal Rescue Center in Dallas where they are receiving care from medical staff.
The HCSO had responded to a report of potential rooster fighting at a residence located in the 600 block of Hunt County Road 1006. Upon arrival, deputies found about 100 people at the scene – many of whom fled. After obtaining a search warrant, authorities discovered fighting rings and other cockfighting equipment typically used in such operations.
An order of seizure was granted to take possession of the roosters. Twenty-one people were arrested and taken to the Hunt County jail, facing charges under Texas Penal Code 42.105 for engaging in cockfighting.
The HCSO says the investigation is ongoing and deputies are continuing to look into additional charges. Anyone with information regarding the case is encouraged to contact the HCSO at (903) 453-6800.
The roosters were found in individual pens and transport boxes scattered throughout the property while others were discovered in vehicles. Authorities also recovered paraphernalia, such as short knives and gaffs, syringes, scales, a training dummy, first aid supplies, antibiotics and various performance-enhancing substances. A bloodstained indoor arena with a makeshift fighting ring and holding pens was also uncovered, along with a concession stand and a merchandise table.
Several roosters were in critical condition – appearing lethargic and severely injured – with multiple open wounds. Ten were already dead and after veterinary assessment, 12 others were euthanized at the SPCA facility.
“Although cockfighting has been illegal in Texas for decades, it continues to persist in both rural and urban areas,” said Courtney Burns, chief investigator for the SPCA of Texas Animal Cruelty Investigations Unit. “This brutal blood sport not only inflicts fatal harm on the animals but also fuels other illegal activities such as gambling, drug trafficking, and violent crimes.”
Cockfighting is a criminal offense in all 50 states – including Texas where it is classified as a felony to engage in bird fighting or to use property for cockfighting activities. Those convicted face up to two years in state jail and/or a fine of up to $10,000. In Texas, it is also a Class A misdemeanor to possess, manufacture or sell cockfighting paraphernalia or to own or train a rooster for the purpose of fighting. Attending a cockfight is a Class C misdemeanor, while federal law bans the transport of fighting animals across state lines or internationally.
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