Target: District Attorney of Van Zandt County, Texas
Goal: Hold accountable those alleged to have engaged in illegal cockfighting and the associated cruelty toward gamefowl.
The alleged horrors surrounding illegal cockfighting in Van Zandt County, Texas, must be confronted with urgency. Recent reports suggest that individuals involved in this violent practice have allegedly subjected their birds to extreme cruelty, employing methods such as strangulation, dismemberment, and other torturous forms of execution for the roosters that do not perform. This cruelty is compounded by the systemic issues tied to the cockfighting ecosystem, which includes potential links to increased narcotics activity and human trafficking in the region, thus exacerbating the neglect and suffering of these animals.
Authorities reportedly conducted a search warrant execution on July 16, 2026, leading to the seizure of 174 roosters and various cockfighting paraphernalia linked to one alleged breeder. However, shockingly, a civil hearing resulted in a judge ordering the return of the seized birds and equipment to the defendant, thus undermining the efforts made by law enforcement and animal welfare organizations seeking to protect these animals from further exploitation and abuse. It has been suggested that without proper legal actions and significant deterrence measures, the cycle of cruelty and abuse will persist unabated.
The immediate necessity is to ensure that the perpetrators of these cruel acts face appropriate legal consequences, including the prosecution of all individuals associated with organized cockfighting. As such, demands are being made for the comprehensive strengthening of anti-cockfighting legislation in Texas and for the effective enforcement of existing laws to prevent a recurrence of this violence against animals. The time has come to take firm action against these cruel practices and dismantle the networks that perpetuate them.
‘PETITION LETTER:’
Dear District Attorney of Van Zandt County,
The ongoing issue of illegal cockfighting in our community has been brought painfully to light. Reports have detailed the grotesque treatment of roosters at cockfighting venues, where these animals are tortured and killed in merciless ways, such as by strangulation and dismemberment. Recent investigations revealed a breeding operation connected to this cruel practice, leading to the seizure of 174 birds. However, it is disheartening that a judge allowed the return of these roosters to individuals allegedly involved in this horrific practice, undermining the efforts of law enforcement and animal protection advocates.
The practices associated with cockfighting are not only inhumane but also linked to broader criminal activities. The connection between organized gambling, narcotics, and human trafficking intensifies the urgency for effective legal action. The systemic nature of this cruelty demands more than just temporary removal of the animals; it necessitates a dismantling of the operations that promote and sustain such violence against living beings.
We urge you to take decisive action in prosecuting those involved in illegal cockfighting and implement stricter enforcement of anti-cockfighting laws. The lives of countless animals depend on a commitment to ending the violence they face. Hold accountable those who perpetuate these egregious acts, and work toward a future where cruelty is met with justice.
Sincerely,
Your Name Here
Photo credit: Beth Clifton
