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…