169 people arrested, 114 roosters seized in Texas cockfight raid; up to 15 children in custody
By APSunday, January 3, 2010
Scores arrested in north Texas cockfight raid
FORT WORTH, Texas — About 169 people have been arrested in a cockfight raid northwest of Fort Worth.
Authorities said sheriff’s deputies also seized 114 roosters Saturday near Poolville in north Parker County. Sheriff Larry Fowler said Child Protective Services workers also took custody of 10 to 15 children ages 7 to 15.
Fowler says drugs and cash were seized and dead and injured roosters were found. He says the raid site had been under surveillance for two weeks.
The sheriff says those arrested will be charged with a gambling offense, and that organized crime charges may be considered against some.
John Goodwin of the Humane Society of the United States says cockfighting is a lucrative business.
Poolville is 50 miles northwest of Fort Worth.
Information from: Fort Worth Star-Telegram, www.star-telegram.com
