A rural Johnson County cockfighting ring was abruptly shut down today when a multi-agency team raided a property in unincorporated Cleburne, leaving one Waxahachie man in handcuffs and a grim scene of dead and injured birds behind.
Deputies say they rolled up on an active operation, finding a fighting pit, several dead or hurt gamecocks and equipment investigators believe was used to stage organized bouts. One man tried to drive away from the chaos but did not make it far before being detained, authorities said. He now faces counts of cockfighting, cruelty to animals and evading arrest. The investigation is still underway, and officials say more arrests could follow.
According to local law enforcement, the raid was conducted by the Johnson County Sheriff's Office, with assistance from Bosque County authorities, the Texas Department of Public Safety, and Texas Parks & Wildlife. Investigators reported evidence consistent with recent fights, including a dedicated ring and birds showing traumatic injuries. As reported by FOX 4 Dallas-Fort Worth, the suspect was identified as Nicandro Mora of Waxahachie, who was taken into custody after attempting to flee by car.
Charges and the law
Mora was booked on alleged offenses that carry serious weight under Texas law. The state’s cockfighting statute lays out a range of penalties, from state-jail felonies for causing a cock to fight or sharing in the proceeds, to Class A misdemeanors for staging events or possessing fighting implements, according to the Texas Penal Code. Each count can stack up quickly when tied to an organized operation, something authorities say they will sort out as the case develops.
Officials are asking anyone with information to contact the Johnson County Sheriff's Office. The sheriff’s non-emergency line is 817-556-6045.
Animals, evidence and next steps
Surviving birds were removed from the property and turned over to a local animal welfare organization, where they will stay while the courts catch up with the case. The Humane Society of North Texas has been designated as caretaker for the seized animals until a civil seizure hearing determines their fate, officials said.
Investigators are still cataloging evidence from the scene and building their case file. Authorities have not ruled out additional arrests as the probe continues, according to FOX 4.
This latest bust is part of a broader North Texas crackdown on illegal animal-fighting events. Johnson County deputies previously broke up a large Thanksgiving Day cockfighting operation in Alvarado, where they seized dozens of roosters and arrested more than 20 people, according to the San Antonio Express-News. Advocates and prosecutors say these underground gatherings are often intertwined with illegal gambling and other crimes, which keeps them high on the radar for multi-agency enforcement teams.
Prosecutors will determine the final slate of charges as the Cleburne case moves through the courts, while the seized birds remain in limbo awaiting a civil hearing. Anyone with tips is urged to reach out to Johnson County Crime Stoppers or the sheriff’s communications division.
