SPCA of Texas Seizes 65 Live, 10 Dead Roosters from Hunt County Cockfight

(DALLAS) – March 31, 2025 – 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 evaluated by medical staff and cared for until a civil custody hearing takes place at 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 9, at the Hunt County Precinct 1, Place 2 Court, 2801 Stuart St., Greenville, Texas, with Judge Sheila Linden presiding.

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.

“Cockfighting has been illegal in Texas for decades, but it still runs rampant in our rural and urban areas,” said SPCA of Texas Animal Cruelty Investigations Unit Chief Investigator Courtney Burns, CAWA. “This blood sport not only results in lethal consequences for the birds engaged in the act, but it breeds other criminal activity such as illegal gambling, drug trafficking and violent crimes. The Hunt County Sheriff’s Office has zero tolerance for these inhumane and dangerous practices, and we are proud to partner with them to help keep the community safe.”

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 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, please visit www.spca.org/helptheanimals. To learn more about the SPCA of Texas, please visit our website at www.spca.org.