Police Arrest 24 In Tewksbury Cockfighting Ring
TEWKBSURY (CBS) – Police arrested 24 people allegedly involved in a Tewksbury cockfighting ring.
Tewksbury Police said they received a tip that multiple people were gambling on "cock fights" at a home on Chandler Street.
Officers arrived Friday and found the home had a lookout system that included motion sensor lights and video surveillance equipment outside.
Police entered the home and found 24 people involved in the fights.
Frank Castro of Dorchester and his girlfriend Janet Montanes, who lives at the Tewksbury home, were believed to be running the organization.
Both were arrested and charged with cruelty to animals, being present at an animal fight, and keeping or promoting an animal fight.
The roosters had spurs attached to them, which police say was designed so more damage would be inflected during the fights.
Tewksbury Police recovered several packages of spurs, four kits with tape, and $13,000 in cash.
Animal Control, Environmental Police and a State Humane Officer from the Animal Rescue League of Boston took 18 roosters from the home. Five of them appeared to be severely injured.
In addition to Castro and Montanes, 22 other people were arrested and charged with cruelty to animals and being present at an animal fight.
All suspects are scheduled to be arraigned at Lowell District Court on Monday.