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Miami-Dade property owner charged after 3,110 roosters euthanized at suspected fighting site

A 70-year-old property owner was arrested after authorities found thousands of roosters and other animals in poor condition at a 10-acre Miami-Dade property. Animal Services euthanized 3,110 roosters, according to an arrest report.

Miami-Dade property owner charged after 3,110 roosters euthanized at suspected fighting site
A 70-year-old woman who owns a 10-acre property in Miami-Dade County was arrested Friday on charges including animal cruelty and managing property for animal fighting, jail records show. The arrest followed an FBI raid that authorities say uncovered a large cockfighting operation and thousands of roosters. The property is in the 12300 block of Southwest 51st Street. The FBI contacted the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office on Oct. 3 after the raid, according to an arrest report. Deputies reported finding thousands of roosters, enclosed training rings and supplies including vitamins, syringes and medication. The owner, Marcia Newark, told deputies she subleased the property to several people and did not know roosters were being trained there, the report said. During a follow-up visit the next day, deputies and Miami-Dade Animal Services found two ponies: one tied to a post without food or water and appearing severely malnourished, and another with an infection. Animal control took custody of both. Authorities returned on Oct. 5 and reported finding a goat unable to stand with its eyes shut, a dead goat, another goat struggling to breathe and more than three pigs kept in a corral with limited space and inadequate food and water. The report said Newark acknowledged knowing about the animals’ condition. Animal Services confiscated the animals; two goats later died, and another goat was found in a trash bag during a subsequent collection, authorities said. Animal Services euthanized 3,110 roosters, the report said. Newark has since been released after posting bond. The charges are allegations, and the case has not been resolved in court. Two other people, Sergio Ruiz-Osorio, 54, and Carlos Rafael Lezcanowas, 52, were previously arrested in connection with the operation on charges related to possessing animals for fighting and animal cruelty.

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