Confiscated roosters to be put down (Weatherford Democrat)

Confiscated roosters to be put down

Staff Report

Approximately 118 roosters seized in a weekend raid at a cockfight near Poolville are to be euthanized according to a Monday ruling by Parker County Justice of the Peace Jayne Choate.

A hen confiscated by law enforcement officials will be placed up for adoption.

Several dead and injured roosters were also found when law enforcement personnel crashed the illegal weekend event.

Some of more than 170 people arrested will face criminal charges ranging from gambling to animal cruelty. Others have been released after paying $300 fines. Immigration officials also arrested 65 following the raid.

Authorities began watching the Poolville barn about two weeks ago after receiving a tip cockfighting was held there.

Drugs and cash were also confiscated in the Saturday bust and Child Protective Services officials helped authorities with between 10 and 15 children at the cockfight. According to published reports, the children were all released to relatives.

Participating in the raid were sheriff’s deputies, Weatherford police, Texas Department of Public Service troopers, a team from the Humane Society, county emergency management team members and immigration officials.