ODESSA, TEXAS (AP) -- Animal Control officials say 25 fighting roosters who were dying and malnourished in cages when they were rescued -- stand a good chance of all being euthanized.
Officers responded Dec. 15 to a report of fighting roosters abandoned on private property in West Odessa. The owner of the roosters is missing.
When Animal Control officers arrived, 20 of the game birds were already dead and the living birds had no food or water.
Veterinarian Henry Lide examined the living birds at the Odessa Police Department's Animal Control Shelter.
Yesterday during a hearing, Justice of the Peace Terry Lange gave Animal Control custody of the birds.
The Odessa American reports Animal Control manager Cheryl Brom she thinks she can prove at least 13 counts of animal cruelty.
Brom says animal cruelty is a Class A misdemeanor, which includes punishment up to a year in jail and a $4,000 fine.
If the owner remains unknown, Animal Control will decide the fate of the roosters.
(Copyright ©2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
