Cockfighting Operation Raided in Dallas

Dallas police broke up an alleged cockfighting operation in Southeast Dallas Saturday.

The Humane Society of the United States supplied undercover cockfighting video to police that led to the raid at a large run-down building.

"Today we found scores of roosters who had been brought to fight to the death with knives tied to their legs," said John Goodwin with the HSUS said in a news release. "Many birds injured in the fights were simply thrown in a pile and left to slowly die. We commend the Dallas Police Department for their quick and efficient action to shut down this cockfighting pit."

Dallas police arrested several people, and said others may later face charges related to Saturday's raid.

Dallas Animal Control seized approximately 100 roosters during the raid.

Dallas police said many people at the cockfight were released without charge because Texas is one of only six states where it's legal to attend a cockfight, possess birds used for cockfighting, and possess cockfighting weapons.

The HSUS said it supports efforts to strengthen cockfighting laws in Texas to close the loophole in existing laws, since admission fees and gambling dollars fuel the activity.

Engaging in the act of cockfighting is a felony in Texas. First and second time offenders may face from 180 days to 2 years in state jail with a $10,000 fine, while third time offenders may face 2 to 10 years with a $10,000 fine.

The Humane Society offers rewards of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of any person involved in illegal animal fighting. Anyone with information about animal fighting is asked to call 877-TIP-HSUS (847-4787). Tipsters’ identities will be protected.

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