A preliminary hearing is scheduled for tomorrow for Jorge L. Iglesias, 47, in an alleged case of cockfighting in Madison. On June 16, 2009 a City of Madison Building Inspector and a Humane Officer for the Madison and Dane County Department of Public Health were called to inspect the property at 1241 Moorland Road in the City of Madison in response to an anonymous report of rooster crowing coming from the address. Per Madison City Ordinance, residents are permitted to keep up to four chickens, but roosters are not allowed to be kept within the city.
According to the criminal complaint, no one was home when the humane officer and building inspector arrived. A chicken coop was visible and they were able to enter the coop through an open door. The humane officer reported several chickens going in and out of the coop, as well as a cockfighting rooster inside. She stated that the rooster was easily identifiable as a fighting bird due to the feathers being shaved on the legs, front, neck and head, leaving only wing and tail feathers. The bird also had its comb and wattles removed, as well as its natural spurs.
The humane officer also reported a fenced-in area on the property with rows of stacked pens and cages containing game cocks. In addition, the area contained cockfighting paraphernalia such as a blood iron booster, syringes and empty alcohol bottles.
The humane officer also reported a fenced-in area on the property with rows of stacked pens and cages containing game cocks. In addition, the area contained cockfighting paraphernalia such as a blood iron booster, syringes and empty alcohol bottles.
A search warrant was executed on the property, and a total of 35 game cocks and approximately 17 game hens (some with baby chicks) were reported seized. A Madison police officer stated that additional property was seized, including plastic cockfighting spurs, a folding knife, four syringes, and 2009 editions of Gamecock Magazine. The residence also contained multiple pieces of correspondence addressed to Jorge L. Iglesias, who was present on the property and acknowledged the property as his. Iglesias is currently being charged with one felony count of Instigating Animal Fights and twelve counts of Training for Instigation of Animal Fights.
