Cockfighting - 100 birds seized
Pleasant Grove, TX (US)Incident Date: Saturday, Dec 18, 2010
County: Dallas
Charges: Felony CTA
Disposition: Alleged
Abuser names unreleased
Dallas police and the Humane Society of the United States raided a large cockfight Saturday in Pleasant Grove.
When authorities stormed the property on South Prairie Creek Road near Interstate 20 and U.S. Highway 175, about 75 people scattered into the nearby woods, some leaving their vehicles parked nearby. They also left behind about 100 roosters, including 30 to 40 that were dead or dying. Dallas Animal Services seized the remaining 60.
"The injuries we witnessed were horrific," said John Goodwin, manager of animal fighting issues for the Humane Society. "Birds had stab wounds that were an inch to an inch and a half deep. I picked up a bird that bled out in my hand."
Police arrested several people during the 2 p.m. raid, which was prompted by an informant's tip to the Humane Society that a fight was scheduled Saturday. It was unclear if those arrested would face criminal charges.
Engaging in cockfighting is a felony in Texas, Humane Society officials said. First- and second-time offenders face up to two years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
However, it is not illegal to attend a cockfight in Texas, Goodwin said.
"Until then, it'll continue to be a widespread problem," he said of the underground fights.
Goodwin said experts are working with Texas legislators to close loopholes in the law.
A Dallas municipal court judge will determine the fate of the seized roosters at a court hearing that had yet to be scheduled late Saturday, authorities said. Dallas Animal Services will care for the birds in the meantime.
Typically the spurs on a cockfighting rooster's shanks are shaved down to allow for insertion of a blade before fighting. More than 50 blades were found scattered across the lawn during Saturday's raid.
At the scene, authorities found an earthen pit surrounded by chairs where spectators could trade bets.
"This is a site we believe they used for some time," Goodwin said. References |
