Over 50 roosters rescued, 8 suspects arrested for cockfighting in North Texas
More than 50 roosters were rescued and multiple people were arrested after an alleged cockfight in Collin County the day after Thanksgiving, officials said.
Deputies were dispatched to a rural property on County Road 697 in the Farmersville area on Friday, Nov. 28, in response to a report of animal cruelty, the Collin County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release.
When deputies arrived, they found about 20 people fleeing on foot. After a search warrant was issued, officials seized 55 live fighting roosters, two dead roosters, various forms of cockfighting paraphernalia and cash from the property, according to the release.
The roosters were taken by Collin County Animal Control, “where they are currently being safely housed and cared for,” officials said.
Eight suspects were arrested and face charges related to cockfighting and evading arrest, officials said.
Maria Eduwiges Noguez Martinez and Diego Armando Alanis face charges of cockfighting.
Along with the cockfighting charge, Leonardo Rodriguez Bautista and Cesar Antonio Gutierrez Pena each face charges of evading arrest or detention.
Jose Luis Martinez Alvarez, Aldo Jesus Osornia Victorino, Emilio Pereyra Govea, and Zacorios Octavio Castilleja each face charges of evading arrest and were also issued citations for cockfighting spectating.
Three of the suspects arrested were later determined to be in the United States unlawfully, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has placed immigration detainers on them, officials said.
“The Collin County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to enforcing animal cruelty laws and dismantling illegal animal fighting operations,” officials said in the release.
The investigation is ongoing, and additional charges may be forthcoming, officials said.
In a separate case on Thanksgiving, 25 people were arrested and more than 70 roosters were rescued from a cockfight in Alvarado, according to the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office.
Anyone with information related to the Collin County incident is asked to contact Investigator Kyle Heichlinger at 972-547-5100 or by email at kheichlinger@collincountytx.gov.
This story was originally published December 2, 2025 at 12:27 PM.