Joliet Man Arrested for Beating Pet Rooster Outside Store

Suspect claimed he was training the rooster to defend itself, police say.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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A 39-year-old Joliet man was arrested on Saturday after he was allegedly seen beating a rooster that was tied up outside a local produce store. Francisco Arreola was charged with aggravated animal cruelty, misdemeanor cruelty to animals, animals in entertainment violation, and obstruction of justice. Arreola initially gave police a fake identity and appeared intoxicated, but later claimed the rooster was his pet and he was training it to fight and defend itself.

Why it matters

Animal cruelty is a serious offense that can carry significant penalties. This incident highlights the need for better education and enforcement around the proper treatment of animals, especially those kept as pets or for entertainment purposes.

The details

According to the Joliet Police Department, officers responded to a report of a man beating a rooster outside a produce store on Collins Street around 3:46 p.m. on Saturday. They found Arreola holding a tan, black, and white rooster that had a rope leash tied to its leg and visible injuries, including cuts and blood on its feathers. Arreola initially gave police a fake identity and appeared intoxicated, but later claimed the rooster was his pet and he was training it to fight and defend itself. A witness told police they saw Arreola hitting the rooster multiple times after trying to put it in a shopping cart.

  • The incident occurred around 3:46 p.m. on Saturday, March 9, 2026.

The players

Francisco Arreola

A 39-year-old Joliet man who was arrested and charged with aggravated animal cruelty, misdemeanor cruelty to animals, animals in entertainment violation, and obstruction of justice.

Joliet Police Department

The law enforcement agency that responded to the report of animal abuse and arrested Arreola.

Joliet Township Animal Control

The agency that took protective custody of the injured rooster after the incident.

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What they’re saying

“The suspect told officers the rooster was his pet and that he was training it to fight. He later changed his story and said he was trying to train the rooster to defend itself.”

— Francisco Arreola, Suspect (Joliet Police Department)

What’s next

Arreola is being held at the Will County Jail, and the rooster is in the care of Joliet Township Animal Control. The case is ongoing, and it is unclear if Arreola will face additional charges related to the active warrants out of Kane County.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible pet ownership and the need for stronger enforcement and education around animal cruelty laws. Authorities will likely continue to closely monitor cases like this to ensure the proper treatment of animals and hold offenders accountable.