Dozens arrested after rooster-fighting ring bust in West Miami-Dade, deputies say

A call about a group of people fighting on Friday afternoon in West Miami-Dade led to the unraveling of an illegal rooster-fighting ring and dozens of arrests, according to the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office.

At 4:05 p.m., deputies arrived at 14287 SW 192nd Ave. after receiving reports of multiple people involved in a brawl. When they got to the scene, they said they discovered far more than just a fight.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, deputies found a large crowd gathered on the property, where several roosters were roaming freely. As officers approached, people began running away or riding off in cars. One person was caught and found carrying rooster spurs — sharp, claw-like growths on the back of roosters’ legs — which the Sheriff’s Office called “a clear indicator of cockfighting activity at the scene.”

The department’s Organized Crimes Bureau and Vice and Intelligence Squad responded and began investigating. In total, 42 people were arrested on charges including animal fighting and resisting arrest without violence.

Authorities also said they seized more than $39,000 in cash and impounded 72 roosters from the scene. It is unclear what happened to the roosters.

“This type of cruelty and illegal activity has no place in our community,” Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz said in a statement. “Animal fighting is not only inhumane, but it often goes hand-in-hand with other serious crimes. The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office remains committed to protecting both the people and the animals of our community. We encourage anyone with knowledge of similar activities to come forward.”

This story was originally published May 17, 2025 at 3:22 PM.