Onill Vazquez Lozada, a resident of Providence, Rhode Island, has pled guilty to two charges related to illegal cockfighting under the Animal Welfare Act.

The charges stem from his involvement in the possession and sponsorship of roosters for fighting purposes.

The Incident and Lozada’s Role

In his plea agreement, Lozada admitted that on April 27, 2021, he possessed several roosters, intending to use them in cockfights.

Furthermore, Lozada acknowledged that on March 6, 2022, he sponsored and participated in a cockfight, where at least one rooster was forced to fight another.

This involvement included helping to organize and facilitate the brutal fights.

Understanding Cockfighting

Cockfighting, an inhumane and illegal activity, involves equipping roosters with sharp weapons such as knives or gaffs that are attached to their legs.

These weapons turn the roosters into living weapons, and the fights are typically lethal, with the contest ending only when one rooster dies or refuses to continue.

Legal Consequences and Potential Penalties

Lozada now faces significant legal penalties. For each of the charges, he could receive up to five years in prison, as well as a fine reaching $250,000.

The final sentencing will take place on July 29, when a federal judge will review the circumstances and determine the appropriate sentence, taking into account various legal factors.

Investigation and Prosecution

The case was thoroughly investigated by multiple agencies, including the Department of Agriculture’s Office of Inspector General, the Postal Inspection Service, and the FDA’s Office of Criminal Investigation.

Several law enforcement and animal protection organizations also provided valuable support.

Senior officials from the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for Rhode Island are handling the prosecution of this case.