Man Charged After Deputies Bust Cockfighting Ring With 370 Birds

Massive Cockfighting Operation Uncovered

Harris County deputies discovered one of the largest cockfighting operations in recent memory when they raided a rural property in Crosby over the weekend. Nearly 370 roosters were seized during the raid after deputies received a tip about illegal activity, with investigators finding roughly 300 live roosters and about 50 dead birds at the scene, along with multiple trailers and equipment allegedly used for cockfighting.

Magdaleno Herrera, 45, was arrested and charged with "Cockfighting: Space, Owns, Trains, Equips," a felony offense that includes providing space for cockfighting and owning, training and equipping fighting roosters. Authorities say five spectators were also issued citations. The Mont Belvieu resident now faces serious criminal charges that could result in significant prison time.

The investigation began Saturday afternoon when a Good Samaritan tipped off authorities around 2:30 p.m. about suspicious activity at a residence on Danek Road near Fairview Drive. Deputies said they could hear the roosters when they arrived and found evidence of active rooster fighting.

Evidence Points to Active Fighting Ring

Officials discovered a mobile home and an open area on the backside where caged matchups between the roosters were allegedly being held, with deputies finding a cage on site believed to have been used for matches. Several people tried to flee when deputies arrived, with many people starting to leave while officers questioned the homeowner.

The scale of the operation suggests this wasn't a small-time hobby but a sophisticated illegal enterprise. Images posted by the Harris County Sheriff's Office on social media show several deputies removing roosters from wire cages on Herrera's alleged property. The sheer number of birds and equipment indicates the operation had been running for some time.

The surviving roosters are expected to be taken in by the Humane Society of Harris County. Animal welfare advocates have praised the swift action by law enforcement to shut down what they describe as a barbaric practice.

Part of Broader Crackdown

The Crosby case follows another alleged cockfighting bust in Harris County late last month, when deputies were called to a property on Little York Road near Aldine Westfield Road where they discovered active rooster fighting and gambling, seizing about 70 roosters and arresting four people.

Cockfighting remains illegal throughout Texas, with both participants and spectators facing criminal charges. The homeowner could be charged for having rooster fighting on the property, and spectators who were detained could be charged with participating by watching the rooster fighting. These cases highlight law enforcement's commitment to cracking down on what many consider a cruel and inhumane practice.

The investigation continues as authorities work to build their case against Herrera and determine the full scope of the operation. This bust represents a significant victory for animal welfare advocates who have long fought against the underground world of cockfighting in Texas.