Many of the roosters were held in wire cages with metal coverings, and some of the dogs were chained out in the open, officials said.
KAUFMAN COUNTY, Texas — Authorities are investigating a large dogfighting and cockfighting operation in Kaufman County, where more than 100 animals were seized by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) of Texas this week.
On Dec. 17, a search warrant was served at an undisclosed location in Kaufman County, resulting in the removal of 50 roosters, 43 hens, 34 adult dogs and 10 puppies.
Evidence of dogfighting and cockfighting paraphernalia was found throughout the property, the SPCA of Texas said Thursday.
“Medications, a scale, several blood-splattered treadmills, and caches of paraphernalia, including slashers and gaffs, were also found on the property,” the SPCA said in a news release. “Empty rooster transport boxes were also found.”
Many of the roosters were held in wire cages with metal coverings, some inside a makeshift barn, and they only had access to contaminated water, SPCA said. The organization says the chickens are believed to be connected to a cockfighting investigation from earlier this year.
SPCA said some of the dogs were chained out in the open without access to shelter while others had access to barrels, tarps and metal roofing. Many of the dogs were reported underweight and injured.
“Most areas were thick with mud and some areas contained standing water due to recent rain,” the SPCA said.
Cockfighting and dogfighting are illegal and carry felony sentences in Texas. Federal law prohibits interstate transport of fighting animals, while the Texas Safe Outdoor Dogs Act prohibits chaining dogs without adequate shelter and water.
