WASHINGTON, D.C. — Animal Wellness Action today commends the federal sentencing of a defendant involved in an illegal cockfighting ring in Amarillo, Texas, underscoring the need for rigorous enforcement of animal cruelty laws and broader legislative tools to deter violent bloodsports.
A federal judge has sentenced 49-year-old Salvador Sanchez Chavez to 11 months in federal prison after he pleaded guilty to attending an animal fighting venture connected with a February 2024 Amarillo cockfighting event. Chavez is the third defendant sentenced in the case; earlier convictions and prison terms were secured against co-defendants charged with breeding, transporting, and facilitating the fights.
Court records show law enforcement discovered more than 160 live roosters, dead birds, metal blades used for fighting, syringes, and documented betting at the site — classic indicia of a commercial organized animal fighting venture. All birds were seized by Texas Game Wardens and animal welfare partners for assessment and care.
“We applaud the work of prosecutors, federal agents, and state and local law enforcement who dismantled this criminal staged-animal-fighting operation.,” said Wayne Pacelle, president of Animal Wellness Action. “We’ll only see people give up the cruel practices of cockfighting and dogfighting when people understand that their participation will lead to incarceration and loss of their assets. There must be respect for the rule of law.”
Animal Wellness Action urges continued vigilance and prosecution in animal fighting cases nationwide to ensure that laws against these violent bloodsports have real consequences. The organization also supports federal legislation like the FIGHT Act (S. 1454 / H.R. 3946) to strengthen enforcement tools, close loopholes, and enhance penalties against illegal animal fighting ventures.
“This sentencing is an important step, but to truly stop animal fighting we need sustained enforcement and stronger statutory authority. Illegal cockfighting is often tied to other crimes, including gambling and weapons offenses, and must be treated as the serious crime it is,”Pacelle added. “Congress should take up the FIGHT Act with urgency.”
U.S. Senator John Cornyn, R-Texas, is a cosponsor of the FIGHT Act, as are Texas U.S. Representatives Lloyd Doggett, D-37, Lance Gooden, R-5, Troy Nehls, R-22, Nathanial Moran, R-1, and Lizzie Fletcher D-7.
Animal Wellness Action partners on field investigations to uncover and dismantle animal fighting operations and has conducted extensive undercover operations in Texas, with its partners at Showing Animals Respect and Kindness. The organization urges citizens to report cockfighting events to tips@animalwellnessaction.org.
