Houston SPCA Investigates Rooster Case

printed in the Galveston Daily News
09/22/07
Sara McDonald

SAN LEON — The Houston branch of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has taken over an investigation into at least 125 roosters kept on a weed-choked rural plot. 

Neighbors claim the roosters are bred for cockfighting and allege to law enforcement that they’ve seen fighting on the land. 

Animal control officers searched the property Sept. 14 and left a notice for the property owner to respond to conditions on the property, Galveston County Health Department spokesman Kurt Koopmann said. 

The owner, listed as Carlos Ramirez on property tax rolls, was given 30 days to bring the property into compliance with health codes, Koopmann said. Otherwise, he faces citations for high weeds and harboring rodents. 

Houston SPCA workers are investigating whether the chickens have been mistreated, said Heidi Brasher, the director of community outreach. 

She said the society is also trying to ensure the animals have proper food, water and shelter.

For More Information Contact:
Kurt Koopmann
Public Information Officer
Galveston County Health District
409-938-2211 or 409-392-0007
kkoopman@gchd.org