$3,580 Awarded as Restitution

DALLAS; GREENVILLE, TEXAS — Owners of 65 allegedly cruelly treated roosters failed to appear for a civil custody hearing at the Hunt County Justice of the Peace Precinct 1, Place 2 courthouse in Greenville, Texas Wednesday, April 9, 2025. Judge Sheila D. Linden proceeded with the hearing and awarded custody of the birds to the SPCA of Texas, as well as $3,580.00 in restitution. The birds will be held for 10 days as the law allows for any potential owner to potentially appeal the decision.

On Sunday, March 30, the SPCA of Texas and the Hunt County Sheriff’s Office seized 65 live and 10 deceased roosters from a rural property near Celeste, Texas, in Hunt County, where a cockfight was in progress. The live animals were transported to the SPCA of Texas’ Russell E. Dealey Animal Rescue Center in Dallas, where they are being cared for by medical staff.

The Hunt County Sheriff’s Office received a call about possible rooster fighting at a residence in the 600 block of Hunt County Road 1006 at approximately 1:40 p.m. When deputies arrived on the scene, they discovered an estimated 100 individuals, many of whom fled the scene. A search warrant was obtained to investigate further, and the ensuing search uncovered fighting rings and cockfighting paraphernalia commonly used in cockfighting operations. An order of seizure was  obtained to seize the roosters. The Hunt County Sheriff’s Office arrested 21 individuals and transported them to the Hunt County Jail. They were charged with a violation of Texas Penal Code 42.105: cockfighting.

According to the Hunt County Sheriff’s Office, this investigation remains active. Deputies continue to pursue potential charges in this case. Anyone with information on this case should call the Hunt County Sheriff’s Office at (903) 453-6800.

Roosters were found in individual pens and transport boxes throughout the property. Other birds were found inside vehicles in transport boxes. Paraphernalia, including short knives and gaffs, scales, a training dummy, syringes, first aid supplies, antibiotics and various performance-enhancing supplements, also were found. An indoor arena containing a makeshift fighting ring and holding pens was splashed with blood and littered with feathers. A concession stand and a merchandise table were inside the building.

Several of the roosters appeared to be lethargic and severely injured with multiple wounds. Ten other birds were found already deceased, having succumbed to injuries from fighting. After veterinary evaluation, 12 of the roosters were euthanized at the SPCA of Texas’ facility due to traumatic fighting wounds.

“Although cockfighting has been illegal in Texas for decades, it still thrives in our rural and urban areas,” said SPCA of Texas Chief Investigator of the Animal Cruelty Investigations Unit Courtney Burns, CAWA. “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.

“We are thankful to the court for awarding the SPCA of Texas custody of the seized roosters and imposing monetary restitution, aiding us in our mission to protect and advocate for animals. The Hunt County Sheriff’s Office upholds zero tolerance for these inhumane and hazardous practices, and we are proud to work alongside them to ensure community safety.”

Photos of the seized birds taken at the property and the Russell E. Dealey Animal Rescue Center are available for download.

Cockfighting is a crime in all 50 states, including Texas, where it is a felony to cause birds to fight with one another and/or to use property for cockfighting. The offense is punishable by up to two years in a state jail and/or a fine of up to $10,000. In Texas, it is a Class A misdemeanor to possess, manufacture or sell cockfighting paraphernalia, a Class A misdemeanor to own or train a rooster with the intent to fight the bird and a Class C misdemeanor to be a spectator at a cockfight. Federal law also prohibits any interstate or foreign transport of fighting animals.

To help support the SPCA of Texas and its efforts to help abused, neglected and homeless animals and to support the SPCA of Texas’ other programs and services, visit www.spca.org/helptheanimals. To learn more about the SPCA of Texas, visit our website at www.spca.org.

About SPCA of Texas
Founded in 1938, the SPCA of Texas is a 501(c)(3) non-profit animal welfare organization that operates one shelter, one spay/neuter clinic, one mobile adoptions vehicle and an animal rescue center, all located in Dallas County, and maintains a team of animal cruelty investigators who rescue hundreds of animals from cruelty each year in North Texas counties. Moreover, the SPCA of Texas serves as an active resource center for an array of services that bring people and animals together to enrich each other’s lives.

The SPCA of Texas is not affiliated with any other entity and does not receive general operating funds from the City of Dallas, State of Texas, federal government or any other national humane organization. SPCA of Texas is dedicated to providing every animal exceptional care and a loving home. To learn more about the SPCA of Texas, visit spca.org.

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