11 Arrested in Jacksonville Rooster Fighting Ring

Lawmakers consider tougher penalties for animal fighting as police bust illegal operation

Jan. 28, 2026 at 7:15pm

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Eleven people, including four suspected of being in the country illegally, were arrested by the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office when they busted an illegal rooster fighting operation on Jake Road this week. The bust comes as state lawmakers are looking at ramping up criminal penalties for animal fighting.

Why it matters

Animal fighting is a cruel bloodsport that often involves other criminal activities like drugs, guns, and gambling. While dog fighting is more common in the area, this rooster fighting bust highlights the need for stronger laws and enforcement to deter these types of illegal operations that cause immense suffering to the animals involved.

The details

Police body camera footage captured the moments officers uncovered the illegal rooster fighting ring and apprehended the suspects. Unfortunately, due to the poor conditions the roughly 130 roosters were kept in, the decision was made to euthanize the animals to avoid public health risks. The suspects arrested were charged with attending an animal fight, which is currently a third-degree felony, but lawmakers are considering legislation to increase the penalties to make it more likely offenders face prison time.

  • This week, the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office busted an illegal rooster fighting operation on Jake Road.

The players

Jacksonville Sheriff's Office

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

Michael Bricker

Division Chief of Jacksonville Animal Control and Protective Services, who stated that this was the first rooster fighting bust in the area in several years.

Kate MacFall

Representative from Humane World for Animals, who explained that state lawmakers are considering legislation to increase penalties for animal fighting offenses.

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What they’re saying

“This is a bloodsport. So it's as cruel as you can get on the animal side.”

— Michael Bricker, Division Chief of Jacksonville Animal Control and Protective Services

“Letting the criminals know that Florida doesn't stand for this. Florida takes this very seriously.”

— Kate MacFall, Representative, Humane World for Animals

What’s next

State lawmakers are considering legislation that would increase penalties for animal fighting offenses, making it more likely offenders face prison time. The bill would also increase penalties for committing acts of animal cruelty in front of children.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for stronger laws and enforcement to deter illegal animal fighting operations, which not only cause immense suffering to the animals involved but are also often linked to other criminal activities. By cracking down on these cruel practices, Florida can send a clear message that this type of behavior will not be tolerated.