Animal Control was also at the scene and will take the surviving animals into custody.
SAN ANTONIO — Several people were taken into custody Sunday night in connection to a cockfighting investigation on the southwest side of the county, according to the sheriff’s office.
Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar said the department was informed of a cockfighting operation Sunday morning from a “non governmental organization,” that focuses on animal cruelty cases.
Salazar said investigators were able to set up surveillance at a property, located at 13774 Pearsall Road, and were able to confirm a cockfighting operation was occurring with the assistance of the San Antonio Police Department’s EAGLE Unit.
BCSO entered the residence with a search warrant, which resulted in multiple people being taken into custody including the homeowner.
“It’s pretty sad to see, but theses folks have no regard for the lives of these animals. It’s all about making money for them,” Salazar said.
Salazar said three people attempted to flee into the nearby woods but were captured by the helicopter. A truck seen leaving the property was also stopped and was full of roosters. The people taken into custody are expected to face multiple charges, including engaging in criminal activity, cockfighting and animal cruelty.
Salazar said they do believe a fight did occur Sunday given the evidence investigators uncovered on the property, including dead and dying roosters piled in a wheel barrel, a 16×16 ring, and blood from the animals.
“Several of the suspects also have blood on them that’s believed to have come from the animals,” Salazar said.
Animal Control was also at the scene and will take the surviving animals into custody.
BCSO did not provide the name of the suspects.