In a decisive strike against animal cruelty, the Collin County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division has disrupted an alleged cockfighting ring, arresting several individuals and rescuing numerous roosters. The raid, carried out on November 28, discovered a group seemingly gathered for illegal cockfighting on a rural Farmersville property, leading to a chaotic scene with roughly 20 suspects attempting escape, according to a social media post by the Collin County Sheriff's Office.
The report detailed how deputies, upon their arrival, witnessed the suspects fleeing. With support from the Hunt County Sheriff’s Office drone unit, multiple individuals were detained or later arrested in the surrounding area. As the property was searched, authorities found 55 live fighting roosters, a pair of deceased birds, equipment associated with cockfighting, and a sum of money. Collin County Animal Control took custody of the surviving roosters, ensuring they are now safe and cared for.
The operation led to the arrest of eight individuals on various charges related to both cockfighting and evading arrest; while others received citations just for spectating the cruel sport. Among the key suspects, Maria Eduwiges Noguez Martinez and Diego Armando Alanis face state felony charges for their alleged involvement, with bonds set at $20,000 and $30,000, respectively. Additional suspects, Leonardo Rodriguez Bautista and Cesar Antonio Gutierrez Pena, each confront charges as well as evading arrest - their bonds set at $20,000 and $10,000. Jose Luis Martinez Alvarez, Aldo Jesus Osornia Victorino, Emilio Pereyra Govea, and Zacorios Octavio Castilleja were not only charged with evading arrest but also cited for spectating at the event.
Adding a layer of complexity to the case, three of the arrested were found to be in the country unlawfully, prompting the involvement of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which has placed immigration detainers on the individuals.
