Many birds had injuries and didn't have food or water, detectives said.
HOUSTON — Dozens of chickens were rescued from a suspected cockfighting ring in northeast Harris County.
In a Facebook video posted Tuesday, the Harris County Precinct 1 Constable's Office received a tip and searched a property near the intersection of Tidwell Road and Lockwood Drive.
Fifty-six chickens, including roosters and chicks, were recovered from the backyard in northeast Harris County. The remains of a puppy and cockfighting paraphernalia were also found, according to the Facebook post.
The Facebook video showed investigators capturing loose and caged birds and taking them away from the property. Investigators took photos of the conditions, and bagged items like a heavy-duty glove.
The birds did not have food or water, according to investigators. Many of the birds had injuries consistent with fighting.
Three people were detained for questioning. The Harris County District Attorney's Office may choose to file charges.
The Houston SPCA helped with the investigation.
Acting on a tip, PCT 1 Constable Alan Rosen's Animal Cruelty Investigators executed a search warrant in the 9100 Heatherside Street in an effort to look into an alleged cockfighting ring.
Joined by Houston SPCA Investigators, PCT 1 recovered 56 chickens, roosters and chicks. Detectives also uncovered cockfighting paraphernalia and noticed many of the birds appeared to have injuries as a result of cockfighting. The animals did not have any food are water. A small puppy was also found deceased in the backyard. 3 people were detained for questioning but released.
The investigation is ongoing while investigators try to talk with everyone involved. Once completed, the entire case will be handed over to the Harris County District Attorney's Office. The DA's Animal Cruelty Division will ultimately decide whether charges should be filed in this case.
Posted by Office of Constable Alan Rosen, Harris County Constable Precinct 1 on Tuesday, December 3, 2024