08:38 AM CST on Monday, January 16, 2006

Associated Press

SAN ANTONIO -- Authorities confiscated more than 300 roosters and hens and cited dozens of spectators during a raid on a rural cockfighting operation this weekend.

Acting on an anonymous tip, Bexar County Sheriff’s deputies descended on the site in southern Bexar County on Saturday. They found a dirt-floor ring covered with feathers and blood, as well as 368 live fowl and four dead birds.

About 200 spectators were present when deputies arrived, and 80 of whom were issued citations. The other spectators fled to their cars or into the woods, some of them carrying birds. The operation included bleachers and a concession stand selling chips, beer and soda.

The birds were taken to a Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals of Texas shelter in McKinney. Group member Ann Barnes says the birds were born, bred and trained to fight.

The bust resulted in three arrests. Property owner Pedro Lozano, age 34, Elida Gonzalez, age 31, and Jose Arce, age 43, all face felony animal cruelty charges.

Authorities said the bust was one of the largest of its kind in the state.