More than 130 roosters seized, killed after cockfighting ring raid in Central Texas

Rowdy Fowler Rowdy Fowler Photo: Bastrop County Sheriff's Office/courtesy Photo: Bastrop County Sheriff's Office/courtesy Image 1 of / 75 Caption Close More than 130 roosters seized, killed after cockfighting ring raid in Central Texas 1 / 75 Back to Gallery

Authorities seized and subsequently killed about 130 roosters and issued citations to 40 alleged spectators at an "active cockfighting ring" in Central Texas Sunday.

Rowdy Fowler, 39, was taken into custody on suspicion of animal cruelty. Fowler owns the property at 1673 FM 2104 in Paige, Texas, about 45 miles east of Austin, according to the Bastrop County Sheriff's Office.

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After receiving a noise complaint from a neighbor, deputies raided the property where dozens of people had gathered for the alleged cockfighting event, according to a news release.

"Several people began fleeing on foot into the brush," the release said, adding that 32 vehicles were impounded from the scene. "With the assistance of Texas Parks & Wildlife Game Wardens and Texas Highway Patrol Troopers, deputies were able to detain the remaining individuals."

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Authorities seized 130 roosters, four of which "died as a result of their injuries," the release said.

"Subsequently, Judge Dunne issued an order of destruction for the remaining roosters," according to the release.

Sissy Jones, public information officer for the Bastrop County Sheriff's Office, said in a phone interview Tuesday the animals were euthanized because the county doesn't have the resources to care for or adopt out 126 roosters and that the animals have been trained to fight and likely would be a danger to other livestock.

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