Carlos Rafael Lezcano, aged 52, was taken into custody on Monday in southwestern Miami-Dade after FBI agents uncovered what appeared to be an expansive cockfighting operation on a 10-acre farm, as reported by WSVN.
The initial discovery occurred on Saturday afternoon at the 12300 block of SW 51st Street, during an unrelated FBI investigation which led to the revelation of what seemed to be a cockfighting venue.
Federal agents promptly informed the Vice and Intelligence Squad of the Organized Crime Bureau of the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office (MDSO).
That very night, a judge approved a search warrant specifically targeting the investigation into animal cruelty.
Detectives returned to the property the following morning, just before eight, accompanied by Miami-Dade Animal Services to execute the warrant.
Cockfighting Operation Unveiled
The findings were unprecedented for the area: a detective surveying the property reported encountering "several thousand fighting roosters and numerous enclosed training rings."
Items seized included used fighting spurs, rooster agitators, boxing gloves, a large training ring, syringes, medications, and vitamins.
Lezcano's Arrest
While investigators were examining a section housing about 100 roosters individually, two individuals breached the secured perimeter.
According to the MDSO arrest report, "the detective identified himself as law enforcement and repeatedly ordered the two to stop, but they fled, jumping a fence and escaping to the southern part of the property."
Lezcano was soon located walking in a nearby nursery at the 12400 block of SW 56th Street and was arrested without incident.
Investigators also discovered a ledger bearing his name on the farm.
He was transported to the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center with bail set at $10,500.
He faces four charges: animal cruelty with intent to injure or kill, tampering with physical evidence, possession and training of animals for fighting, and resisting an officer without violence.
Unprecedented Scale in Miami-Dade
This recent discovery represents a significant escalation compared to previous operations in the southwestern part of the county. In April 2026, two men were arrested after 500 to 600 caged roosters were found on another property in the area.
Earlier, in May 2025, the MDSO dismantled a network in Redland resulting in 42 arrests, 72 roosters seized, and nearly $40,000 in cash.
The "several thousand" birds in the current case dwarf those numbers.
Understanding the Legal Consequences
Cockfighting is considered a third-degree felony in Florida under Statute 828.122, carrying penalties of up to five years in prison and fines of up to $5,000.
Federally, the Animal Welfare Act imposes harsher penalties: involvement in animal fighting can result in up to five years in prison and $250,000 in fines; even attending as a spectator can lead to up to a year in prison and $100,000 in fines.
The FBI's involvement—alongside the MDSO—suggests the case might involve interstate commerce, transportation of birds across state lines, or organized gambling, elements that trigger federal jurisdiction.
The arrest came just four days after Florida's HB 559 took effect, a new law that increases penalties for animal cruelty, creates additional felonies when minors are involved, and expands the state's animal abuser database.
Miami-Dade Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz had previously warned after the May 2025 operation: "This kind of cruelty and illegal activity has no place in our community. Animal fighting is not only inhumane but often accompanies other serious crimes."
Frequently Asked Questions about Cockfighting in Florida
What are the legal penalties for cockfighting in Florida?
In Florida, cockfighting is a third-degree felony with penalties including up to five years in prison and fines reaching $5,000.
How does federal law address animal fighting?
Under federal law, the Animal Welfare Act can impose up to five years in prison and $250,000 in fines for involvement in animal fighting, with additional penalties for spectators.
Why was the FBI involved in this case?
The FBI's involvement suggests potential interstate commerce, transportation of birds across states, or organized gambling, all of which fall under federal jurisdiction.