On Monday, July 16, 2018, Thomas Crow pled guilty in Federal Court to aiding and abetting an illegal cockfighting business. Last year, Crow was found at a large cockfighting event in Kerman. At the time, Fresno County deputies and detectives seized 129 roosters (28 were dead and nine were injured.) Crow was also in possession of $22,800 cash, a score sheet, gaffs, blades, sheaths, gamecock leather boots, and scales. Upon searching his Fresno property, an additional 200 roosters, over 300 gaffs (including Mexican slashers, injectables, and score sheets) were also seized. Crow is scheduled for sentencing on October 22 and faces up to of five years in prison and $250,000 in fines.
The United States Department of Justice, Eastern District of California, recognized the hard work of our Humane Officers and personally contacted the CCSPCA to serve as the Animal Expert during the investigation. We would like to thank the U.S. Department of Justice, Eastern District of California, Fresno County Sheriff’s Office, and the Fresno District Attorney’s Office for this opportunity, and look forward to collaborating in the future.
Cockfighting is a brutal bloodsport where roosters are forced to fight (often to the death) for entertainment and financial gain of their owners, and is illegal under federal law. The CCSPCA is proud to lend our expertise in animal fighting and collection to local and federal authorities. It is a high priority to put an end to this disturbing activity and secure justice for the animal victims.
To report local animal cruelty, call (559) 233-7722 or visit the Central California SPCA. You can also call the national tip line (877) TIP-HSUS to report dogfighting or cockfighting, and may even receive a $5,000 reward for information leading to arrest and conviction of an animal fighter.