Cockfighting Tampa, FL (US) Incident Date: Saturday, Apr 17, 2004 County: Hillsborough Local Map: available Disposition: Alleged Case Images: 1 files available Alleged: Benigno Canales Case Updates: 1 update(s) available

Case ID: 2217 Classification: Fighting Animal: chicken View more cases in FL (US) Login to Watch this Case

Hillsborough County Animal Services was forced to put down several roosters after an animal fighting bust this weekend. Detectives say a raid on Benigno Canales' farm confirmed their fears that a well-organized cockfighting operation was in place there.

"It's extremely brutal. Children are exposed to this at a very young age. It's just not something that should be accepted in our society," stated Dennis McCullough of Animal Services.

McCullough showed  photographs taken at the scene, which allegedly show the structures and supplies for cockfights, including superglue to patch the birds back up for more fights and the carcasses of dead birds.

"Once they've fulfilled the need, they're thrown away with the garbage," he continued.

Canales' next-door neighbor stated she suspected something illegal was happening at the farm. Canales is now facing multiple counts of animal cruelty, but Burke wasn't sure that would be the end of the fights.

Released on $5,000 bond, the 28 charges break down as follows:

Fighting animals (Felony 3):  7
Owning equipment for animal fighting (Felony 3):  3
Operation of a facility for baiting animal (Felony 3):  1
Cruelty to animals:  (Misdemeanor 1):  6
Owning property for animal fighting or baiting (Felony 3):  4
Keeping a gambling house (Felony 3): 4
Selling alcoholic beverage without a license (Misdemeanor 2):  3

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