Recent Raids Reveal How Illegal Cockfighting Threatens Central Texas’ Food Supply
Yes...this is 2026...and people are still taking part in illegal cockfighting events in central Texas.
History of the Blood Sport
Cockfighting is an ancient, brutal, blood sport (sport that requires the shedding of blood) involving domesticated roosters. It originated in India, China, Persia, and other Eastern countries. The rooster is bred to be aggressive towards other males with fights usually lasting to the death of one of the birds.
Underground Cockfighting in Central Texas
According to KWTX, central Texas law enforcement agencies along with animal welfare groups, continue to target the underground cockfighting network operating across Texas. In just one weekend this month, Bexar and Freestone counties law enforcement successfully completed two raids that led to arrests and the seizure of birds being used for illegal cockfighting events. Officials say these brutal events are being run by organized criminal enterprises.
Illegal Cockfighting Is Organized
Illegal cockfighting events are not just a group of people gambling on the horrific deaths of birds. SHARK President Steve Hindi tells KWTX that the events are organized on a national scale. Hindi says, “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.”
A Team Effort Makes a Difference
Inroads are being made in stopping these brutal events and arresting those responsible. According to KWTX, Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar got a heads up about illegal activity from undercover investigators with Showing Animals Respect and Kindness (SHARK) and Animal Wellness Action. They reported an illegal event in progress near Atascosa. In the end, a search warrant led to seven arrests. Sadly, it wasn’t in time to save the dying roosters that were tossed into a wheelbarrow. SHARK investigators alerted Freestone County law enforcement about an illegal event near Mexia that ended with one arrest, 20 Class C Citations, and the seizure of over 100 birds.Cockfighting is a felony in Texas.
It Isn’t Just a Crime Issue
In the Mexia raid, law enforcement discovered that the cockfighting pit was located just feet from a large commercial poultry operation. In addition to being a major biosecurity issue, having unregulated roosters in such close proximity to a licensed poultry operation risks exposure of tens of thousands of birds to avian diseases.