On Saturday, July 6, 2024, Cameron County Sheriff’s Deputies in South Texas responded to a report of possible cockfighting activity at a property in the 11000 block of Calle Oriente in La Feria, Texas. Upon arrival, deputies discovered white boxes containing roosters with severe lacerations and blood on their feathers. Additionally, they found tools commonly used in cockfighting such as slashers, bridles, and gaffs in plain view.
Deputies approached a group of individuals who were present at the scene, where they identified 45-year-old Gerardo Zepeda as the owner of the property. Zepeda admitted to allowing cockfights on his property and claimed ownership of some of the injured roosters. Another individual, 64-year-old Rogelio Tapia, confessed to participating in the cockfights and asserted ownership of some of the injured birds as well.
As a result of the investigation, Gerardo Zepeda was arrested and charged with TPC 42.105 (b)(3) for permitting cockfighting on his property, classified as a Class A misdemeanor. Rogelio Tapia was also arrested and faces charges under TPC 42.105 (b)(1) for cockfighting, a Class A misdemeanor, along with cruelty to non-livestock animals, categorized as a State Jail felony.
All spectators present during the cockfighting event were issued citations under TPC 42.105 for their involvement, a Class C misdemeanor.
