VAN ZANDT COUNTY, Texas - A Grand Saline man was arrested Thursday after authorities seized 181 roosters and evidence of an alleged cockfighting operation during the execution of a search warrant near Grand Saline.
According to the Van Zandt County Sheriff's Office, investigators, assisted by the Wills Point Police Department and the SPCA of Texas, executed the warrant at approximately 7 a.m. on July 16 at a residence in the 100 block of Van Zandt County Road 1118.
The investigation began in June after the sheriff's office received a report of suspected cockfighting activity at the property.
Following an investigation, authorities obtained a search warrant and reported finding evidence they allege is consistent with possessing roosters for the purpose of cockfighting.
During the search, investigators seized 181 roosters, an undisclosed amount of U.S. currency, cockfighting paraphernalia and a travel trailer that authorities believe was used to transport birds for cockfighting events.
Investigators also served an arrest warrant on Justin Blake Hart of Grand Saline.
Hart was transported to the Van Zandt County Detention Center, where he was booked on a charge of cockfighting, a state jail felony under Texas law.
The SPCA of Texas assisted with the seizure and transportation of the 181 roosters to its Dallas facility, while the Wills Point Police Department assisted with the execution of the search warrant and arrest.
The allegations against Hart have not been proven in court. He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The investigation remains ongoing.
