WACO, Texas (KWTX) – The underground cockfighting network operating across Texas continues to face increased pressure from law enforcement and animal welfare organizations working in coordinated enforcement efforts.
Over a single weekend in early February, sheriffs in Bexar and Freestone counties conducted two major raids that resulted in arrests, the seizure of numerous birds, and renewed calls for federal legislation to combat the organized criminal enterprises behind these illegal operations.
Weekend Raids Highlight Enforcement Success
On Sunday evening, Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar responded to an alert from undercover investigators with Showing Animals Respect and Kindness (SHARK) and Animal Wellness Action about a cockfight in progress near Atascosa.
Salazar personally arrived at the scene, gathered evidence of the illegal activity, secured a search warrant, and led the enforcement action that resulted in seven arrests.
Aerial Drone Footage: Authorities raid cockfighting ring in Bexar County, Texas
Aerial Drone Footage: Property where Bexar County Sheriff’s Office busted cockfighting operation
“Sheriff Salazar’s response was immediate, decisive, and hands-on,” said Wayne Pacelle, president of Animal Wellness Action. “He personally showed up, directed the operation, and ensured that this crime was stopped in real time. That level of leadership sends a powerful message that malicious animal cruelty, including staged animal fights, will not be tolerated in Bexar County.”
The Bexar County operation revealed the brutal nature of these illegal operations. Deputies discovered dead and dying roosters discarded in a wheelbarrow.
Some suspects attempted to flee on foot but were apprehended by deputies. Animal Crimes Enforcement took custody of the surviving birds.
UNDERCOVER FOOTAGE: Cockfighting operation in Texas
Undercover footage: Alleged cockfighting ring in Mount Pleasant, Texas
The day before, on Saturday evening, Freestone County law enforcement conducted a raid near Mexia, Texas, based on information provided by SHARK investigators.
That operation resulted in one arrest, approximately 20 Class C citations, and the seizure of up to 120 birds.
Notably, the cockfighting pit was located just feet from a large commercial poultry operation, raising serious biosecurity concerns and potential exposure of tens of thousands of birds to avian diseases.
Aerial Footage: Authorities raid cockfighting operation in Mount Pleasant Texas
Aerial Drone Footage: Cockfighting operation busted in Mount Pleasant, TexasPart of a Broader Pattern
These weekend busts are not isolated incidents. Steve Hindi, president of SHARK, emphasized the systemic nature of the problem: “They are part of an entrenched, organized underground network operating across Texas and neighboring states. What’s changing is that sheriffs are increasingly responding quickly and forcefully when given real-time evidence.”
Over the past year, SHARK and Animal Wellness Action have conducted dozens of undercover investigations across Texas and surrounding states. The coordinated efforts have consistently yielded results:
January 2025: Two Texas cockfighters arrested in Oklahoma, including one arrest inside the Chickasaw National Recreation AreaMarch 2025: Cockfights documented on both sides of the Red River spanning Oklahoma and Texas; a major operation documented in Titus County with hundreds in attendance; a large derby documented in Ferris using drone footage; and 21 individuals arrested near Wolfe City with 67 birds seizedApril 2025: Parker County authorities arrested nine people and seized 96 live roosters, 50 gaffs, multiple vehicles, and over $15,000 in alleged cockfighting proceedsJuly 2025: After an earlier investigation that resulted in inaction, authorities returned to Titus County and arrested Timothy Thompson and two family members on felony charges with up to 500 fighting birds seizedLate 2025: A series of raids across multiple counties resulted in dozens of arrests and the seizure of hundreds of roosters, including operations disguised as barbershops and large holiday derbiesInterstate and International Trafficking
The cockfighting problem extends beyond domestic operations. Animal Wellness Action and SHARK have exposed an interstate and international trafficking network, documenting the North Texas Livestock Shipping Company arranging shipments of fighting birds to the Philippines, a global hub for cockfighting.
Multiple Dallas Morning News stories detailed how traffickers exploit commercial airlines and cargo channels to move fighting birds overseas.
These findings triggered federal action. Last week, former Fort Bend Sheriff Troy Nehls, now a U.S. Representative from a Houston-area congressional district, introduced the No Flight, No Fight Act (H.R. 7371). The bipartisan legislation restricts the shipment of adult roosters on commercial airlines.
Calling for Federal Action
While state-level enforcement efforts are yielding results, animal welfare advocates and law enforcement agencies are pushing for comprehensive federal legislation. The proposed Fighting Inhumane Gambling and High-Risk Trafficking (FIGHT) Act (H.R. 3946 and S. 11454) would strengthen penalties for animal fighting, enhance federal enforcement tools, and target the organized criminal enterprises behind these operations.
The bill has already garnered significant support, including endorsements from the Sheriffs’ Association of Texas, the National Sheriffs’ Association, and more than 450 other law enforcement agencies—totaling nearly 1,100 endorsing agencies and organizations.
“Cockfighting is a felony in Texas and in every state, but laws are only as strong as their enforcement,” Pacelle said. “These cases show what works—determined investigators, courageous sheriffs, and strong laws. Congress now needs to do its part.”
About the Organizations
Showing Animals Respect and Kindness (SHARK) is a nonprofit organization that battles tirelessly against rodeos, bullfighting, pigeon shoots, turkey shoots, canned hunts, and other forms of animal cruelty.
Animal Wellness Action is a Washington, D.C.-based 501(c)(4) organization whose mission is to promote laws and regulations at federal, state, and local levels that forbid cruelty to all animals and to enforce existing anti-cruelty and wildlife protection laws.
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