11 Accused of Rooster Fighting at Jacksonville Home

Police break up cockfighting ring, arrest 11 men and seize thousands in cash, fighting spurs, and dead roosters

Jan. 28, 2026 at 12:07pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Eleven men were arrested after a police raid uncovered a rooster fighting ring at a home on Jacksonville's Northside. The men were charged with animal fighting, resisting arrest, and other counts. Jacksonville's Animal Control and Protective Services had to destroy 130 live roosters due to their aggressive training and the risk of disease.

Why it matters

Cockfighting is illegal in Florida and considered a form of animal cruelty. This bust highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to crack down on these illicit operations that subject animals to extreme violence for the sake of gambling and entertainment.

The details

During the raid, police found a large group of people watching birds in a pen in a backyard, holding money as a referee monitored the fight. Officers chased down some men who tried to flee, eventually catching 11 individuals between the ages of 34 and 60. Four of the men were found to be in the country illegally. Investigators seized $13,600 in cash, dozens of metal fighting spurs, cages, and a number of dead roosters.

  • The raid took place on Saturday, January 25, 2026.
  • The 11 men were arrested on January 25, 2026.

The players

Jacksonville Sheriff's Office

The local law enforcement agency that conducted the raid and made the arrests.

Jacksonville Animal Control and Protective Services

The agency that had to destroy 130 live roosters due to their aggressive training and the risk of disease.

Vice Sgt. Guy Daniels

A police officer who described the cockfighting operation as "animal cruelty" where "these guys have turned peaceful animals into foot-tall killing machines for sport."

Michael Bricker

The Animal Control Chief who said the police "sent a clear message that cruelty will not be tolerated in Jacksonville."

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This is animal cruelty. These guys have turned peaceful animals into foot-tall killing machines for sport, and that's unacceptable.”

— Vice Sgt. Guy Daniels

“When the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office dismantled a brutal cockfighting operation, they sent a clear message that cruelty will not be tolerated in Jacksonville. I'm grateful for their partnership and their commitment to stopping inhumane treatment of animals.”

— Michael Bricker, Animal Control Chief

What’s next

The judge will decide on bail for the four men found to be in the country illegally.

The takeaway

This bust highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to crack down on illegal cockfighting operations that subject animals to extreme cruelty. It sends a strong message that animal abuse will not be tolerated in Jacksonville.