SPRINGFIELD — A man was arrested and charged after allegedly running a cockfighting ring in a house on Chapin Terrace that was shut down last month by animal welfare officials.
Juan Gabriel Pinero Perez, 36, was charged with two separate crimes — animal fighting and possession with intent to distribute — related to the alleged cockfighting ring where the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals rescued and transported 65 birds to an undisclosed location in December.
Perez is represented by Springfield defense attorney James Goodhines in both cases. Goodhines did not immediately return a request for comment.
Court records show Perez was charged with animal fighting, a felony in Massachusetts.
On Dec. 4, Sgt. William Loiselle, an MSPCA-Angell law enforcement officer, filed an application for a search warrant to investigate possible violations of the state’s animal fighting laws. Loiselle’s request was approved, leading police to carry out the warrant at 4 Chapin Terrace in Springfield on Dec. 10, documents show.
MSPCA-Angell declined to provide a copy of the search warrant.
Upon their arrival, officers reportedly saw “dozens of birds living in multiple structures in a manner commonly associated with cockfighting operations,” a statement from the animal cruelty prevention agency said in December.
Cockfighting, which is illegal in the U.S., “relies on cruelty for profit,” said Chris Schindler, MSPCA-Angell law enforcement director, in an emailed statement Tuesday. It involves forcing two birds to fight — often to the death — for gambling and entertainment, the agency said. The animals that survive often suffer severe injuries, like punctured lungs, broken bones and damage to their eyes.
“We’re thankful to State Police for bringing us in on this case, which allowed us to investigate and charge the person allegedly responsible, getting us one step closer to bringing justice for the dozens of birds that suffered in this operation,” he said. “We’re also grateful that the court allowed us to take custody of the birds, so we can ensure that they’re being treated humanely and getting the care they need.”
Months-long inquiry
The removal of the animals, according to the animal welfare agency, was the culmination of a months-long investigation into the alleged cockfighting ring.
A spokesperson for MSPCA-Angell said it could not provide details as to where the birds are being held for safety reasons.
In addition to the birds, law enforcement agents found examples of the kinds of sharp objects that are attached to roosters’ legs during fights to inflict more severe injuries, Schindler said in an emailed statement from December.
Perez was also charged with possession with intent to distribute of a Class B drug on Dec. 11, according to Tim McGuirk, spokesman for the Massachusetts State Police.
Police allegedly found four grams of cocaine in the basement kitchen cabinet of the residence, according to court records.
“Personal items tied (the defendant) to the area,” the records said, explaining that Perez had recently been placed on probation for a separate case and has a lengthy criminal record.
His bail was set to $2,500 in cash for the drug charge. He will next appear in court for both charges Feb. 24.