MIAMI.- Carlos Rafael Lezcano, 52, was released on bail after appearing before a judge on Monday for his alleged connection to a cockfighting operation in Miami-Dade. This Tuesday the death of two goats rescued from the land where authorities found thousands of birds and combat equipment was announced.
The defendant faces four charges: animal cruelty with intent to injure or kill, tampering with physical evidence, possession of animals for fighting and resisting an officer without violence. The hearing was held before Judge Mindy Glazer.
The police operation began on Saturday, October 3, when agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) went to a 10-acre property in the 12300 block of 51st Street in southwest Miami for a different case. There they detected signs of this activity and contacted the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office (MDSO), according to the police report released on the case.
The inspection revealed closed training enclosures, spurs, gloves, devices to stimulate the specimens, vitamins, syringes and medications. A judge authorized a search that night due to suspicions of abuse. Detectives returned Sunday with county Animal Services personnel.
While checking an area with around 100 individually housed roosters, two men entered the secured perimeter. According to the report, they ignored orders to stop, jumped a fence and fled on foot.
Lezcano was located shortly after at a nearby nursery and detained without incident. Investigators also found a record book with his name on it.
There were also goats, two ponies and a lamb in critical condition. The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals of South Florida reported this Tuesday that the goats had malnutrition, parasites and pneumonia. One died during transport to the hospital and another had to be euthanized.
The ponies showed signs of serious neglect. The surviving specimens are receiving treatment at a veterinary hospital in West Palm Beach, while it remains open.
