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3,110 roosters euthanized after raid on Miami-Dade property; owner faces animal-cruelty charges

A Miami-Dade property owner was arrested in connection with a cockfighting investigation after deputies said they found thousands of roosters and other animals in severe distress. Authorities say county animal services euthanized 3,110 roosters found at the 10-acre Horse Country site.

3,110 roosters euthanized after raid on Miami-Dade property; owner faces animal-cruelty charges
A 70-year-old property owner was arrested Friday in connection with an alleged cockfighting operation at a 10-acre site in Miami-Dade County’s Horse Country area, where authorities say 3,110 roosters were euthanized and other animals were found neglected. Marcie Rochell Newmark faces five felony animal-cruelty charges, a felony charge related to owning or leasing property used for animal fighting, and several misdemeanors, according to the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office. She posted bond of more than $31,000 on Saturday, court records show. The investigation began Oct. 3, when FBI agents raided the property at 12300 SW 51st St. and found what authorities described as several thousand game-fowl roosters and cockfighting equipment. The FBI later involved the sheriff’s office. It has not been established whether the federal raid was connected to animal fighting or a separate investigation. Deputies said Newmark told them she subleased the property to various people and was unaware of the roosters’ care and training. Investigators later alleged she knew about the animals’ condition. Along with the roosters, authorities reported finding pigs in a raised enclosure without food, water or room to roam; a severely malnourished pony with an infection; and 16 dogs, three cats, turtles and other birds in what deputies described as dire conditions. Deputies also reported that one goat was dead, another was unable to stand with its eyes sealed by infection, and additional goats died while being transported for care. Newmark is the third person arrested in the case. Deputies arrested Carlos Rafael Lezcano, 52, on Oct. 4, followed by Sergio Ruiz Osorio, 54, on Oct. 8. The allegations against all three are part of an ongoing investigation. Property appraiser records show Newmark has owned the site since at least 1989. County records also show the property was cited for code violations in 2007, 2009 and 2012. The scale of the animal seizures and reported neglect has put renewed attention on oversight of animal care and properties used for suspected animal fighting in the county.

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