AR-News: (TX) Cockfight Ring Busted in Houston

[Political Animal]

Police bust suspected cockfighting operation in east
Houston
“It looked like an organized chicken ring. From what I
can tell, all roosters had identification rings on
them,” said Ervin Jackson with Animal Control.

By Jessica WilleyABC13 Eyewitness News

(11/02/03 - EAST HOUSTON) — A suspected cockfighting
ring in east Houston is out of business. Two people
are in custody and more than 100 birds and roosters
were confiscated. 

All of this happened on Yancy near Federal. 

Police were serving a felony arrest warrant on one of
the residents who lives there when they uncovered much
more, including 116 roosters they believe were being
used for illegal cockfighting. 

"It looked like an organized chicken ring. From what I
can tell, all roosters had identification rings on
them," said Ervin Jackson with Animal Control. Also
seized were cockfighting paraphernalia, such as razor
blades. Inside the house, police say they found
methods to keep the roosters healthy and strong. 

"There's an extensive hospital set up for roosters
that are injured," said Sgt. Parris Ponton with the
Houston Police Department. "And we're taking
possession of all that paraphernalia, such as scales
and syringes." 

But that's not all. Police also discovered illegal
body armor, drugs, ammunition and a slew of weapons.
Neighbors had complained about what goes on there and
perhaps for good reason. 

The bullet-riddled walls, police say, are reinforced.
Cameras are mounted outside and inside sat a
three-year-old girl. 

"They had firearms just out and about on top of
dressers in reach of the child," said Sgt. Ponton. 

Two people were arrested on charges unrelated to
cockfighting. An investigation into this incident is
pending. Charges on the cockfighting are pending as
well. 
(Copyright © 2003, KTRK-TV) 



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