Thousands of roosters, many in poor health, werefound on a Florida propertywhere cockfighting allegedly took place, authorities said.
FBI officials were at the 10-acre property Oct. 3 investigating a separate case when they discovered “several thousand game fowl roosters, along with numerous enclosed cockfighting training rings,” according to court documents. Other items found included syringes, medication and rooster agitators.
Ten goats, two ponies and a lamb also were found on the property in critical condition. One goat died while being transported for medical attention and another had to be euthanized, The South Florida Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals told WSVN7.
Surviving animals are being treated at an animal hospital in West
Palm Beach.
Arrest made in alleged Florida cockfighting operation
While investigators were searching the property, two men were observed breaching the secure perimeter.
When a detective identified himself and ordered the men to stop, they jumped a fence and ran away from the property, court records stated. Carlos Rafael Lezcano, 52, was located nearby and taken into custody.
Lezcno told detectives he made “a big mistake,” and acknowledged he went on the property despite knowing it was prohibited to do so. He said he owned about 100 of the game fowl roosters and was hoping to get some of the animals, court records state.
Lezcano is facing three felony charges, including animal cruelty and animal fighting charges. His next court appearance is scheduled for Dec. 3.
Michelle Spitzer is a journalist for The USA TODAY NETWORK-FLORIDA. As the network’s Rapid Response reporter, she covers Florida’s breaking news. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday day by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY, at https://floridatoday.com/newsletters
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Thousands of roosters found in alleged Florida cockfighting scheme
