A judge granted the SPCA of Texas custody of 65 roosters seized from a cockfighting operation in Hunt County.
A judge granted the SPCA of Texas custody of 65 roosters seized from a cockfighting operation in Hunt County.
A judge granted the SPCA of Texas custody of 65 roosters seized from a cockfighting operation in Hunt County.
HUNT COUNTY, Texas — A Hunt County judge granted the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) of Texas custody of 65 roosters allegedly used in a cockfighting operation, following a civil hearing Wednesday at the Precinct 1, Place 2 courthouse in Greenville, Texas.
According to a news release from the SPCA, the birds’ owners failed to appear for the scheduled hearing, prompting Justice of the Peace Sheila D. Linden to proceed without them. The SPCA said the court also ordered $3,580 in restitution to be paid to the organization for the care of the animals. The birds will remain in the organization’s custody for at least 10 days, during which time the owners may file an appeal.
The ruling follows a March 30 seizure on a rural property near Celeste, where the Hunt County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) and the SPCA of Texas discovered a cockfight in progress, according to the organization. Authorities reported finding 65 live and 10 dead roosters at the scene. According to the SPCA, 21 people were arrested and charged with cockfighting.
“This vicious blood sport not only causes fatal harm to the birds involved but also promotes other criminal activities such as illegal gambling, drug trafficking and violent crimes,” said Courtney Burns, chief investigator for the SPCA of Texas’ Animal Cruelty Investigations Unit.
When HCSO deputies arrived at the property, SPCA said they encountered about 100 people, many of whom fled. A search of the grounds revealed fighting rings, holding pens, and tools typically associated with cockfighting, including knives, gaffs, syringes, and performance-enhancing supplements, SPCA said.
According to the SPCA of Texas, several birds were found inside vehicles, while others were confined in makeshift pens or plastic crates. Many of the seized roosters showed signs of severe injury. According to the SPCA, 12 birds were later euthanized due to the extent of their wounds.
HCSO said the investigation remains ongoing, and more charges may follow.
“The Hunt County Sheriff’s Office upholds zero tolerance for these inhumane and hazardous practices,” Burns added. “We are proud to work alongside them to ensure community safety.”