Authorities rescue nearly 300 birds while breaking up large cockfighting operation in Grand Prairie

Grand Prairie police say they broke up a half-million-dollar cockfighting operation this week and rescued nearly 300 animals in the process.

Officers executed a search warrant Tuesday at a property in the 1400 block of Corral Road, near Mike Moseley Elementary School, and found hundreds of roosters, hens and chicks that were reportedly being bred to fight.

Officials seized gaffs and knives, which are attached to the roosters during fights, and also reported finding cash, medications, supplements, syringes and “other implements used to alter roosters into fighting birds.”

The birds were taken to several animal-rescue facilities, including the Tri-City Animal Shelter in Cedar Hill.

Police said they estimated the operation was worth a half-million dollars.

Detective Kathleen Bodner said in a written statement that she has “a huge interest in protecting the vulnerable animals in our community” and ensuring that people who want to harm them are held accountable.

“It’s a source of pride, and I’m very happy with the outcome of the investigation thus far,” Bodner said.

The investigation is ongoing, and police said two people taken into custody during the raid were considered people of interest. Making roosters fight one another or profiting from a cockfight are state-jail felonies in Texas.