A weekend FBI search led local investigators to a 10-acre property containing roosters, training rings and equipment authorities linked to animal fighting.
MIAMI, FL — Authorities investigating a Southwest Miami-Dade property found several thousand roosters and equipment they said was associated with cockfighting, leading to the arrest of a 52-year-old man on animal cruelty, animal fighting and other charges.
The investigation centered on a 10-acre property in the 12300 block of Southwest 51st Street. According to a Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office arrest report cited by local news organizations, FBI agents were searching the property Saturday as part of a separate investigation when they encountered what appeared to be a cockfighting operation. Federal agents then contacted the sheriff’s office Organized Crime Bureau’s Vice and Intelligence Squad.
A detective who inspected the property reported seeing several thousand game fowl roosters along with numerous enclosed training rings. Investigators also reported finding items they associated with rooster fighting, including used fighting spurs, rooster agitators, a large training ring, syringes, medications and other equipment. A judge approved a search warrant for the animal cruelty investigation, and detectives returned with Miami-Dade Animal Services on Sunday.
Authorities arrested Carlos Rafael Lezcano, 52, in connection with the investigation. He faces three felony charges involving animal cruelty, tampering with physical evidence and animal fighting, as well as a misdemeanor charge of resisting an officer without violence. The allegations against Lezcano have not been proven in court.
According to the arrest report, investigators were searching an area containing about 100 individually housed roosters when a detective saw two people enter the secured perimeter. Authorities said the detective identified himself as law enforcement and ordered them to stop, but the two ran and jumped a fence. Deputies later found Lezcano at a nearby nursery and took him into custody without incident. Authorities had not announced the arrest of the other person as of the latest reports reviewed.
Investigators said Lezcano told them about 100 of the roosters belonged to him. CBS News Miami reported that police said Lezcano acknowledged entering the property to retrieve his birds and later showed detectives the portion of the property he rented. Investigators also reported finding a ledger containing his name. Details of other statements attributed to Lezcano in the arrest report were redacted, according to WSVN.
Other animals were also found on the property. The Florida SPCA arrived Monday to assist with livestock, including ponies and goats. Rescue officials reported that some of the goats were severely underweight and had respiratory illnesses. The organization also reported finding 10 baby goats, a lamb and a dead goat. Two goats were described as being in particularly poor condition, while rescue workers said one pony was severely underweight and another needed surgery for wounds.
Lezcano appeared before Miami-Dade Circuit Court Judge Mindy Glazer on Monday. He was later released on bond and did not speak to reporters as he left jail, according to CBS News Miami. The investigation remained active Monday, with authorities and animal rescue personnel continuing work at the property.
Authorities have not publicly established that Lezcano owned all of the roosters found on the 10-acre site, and investigators have not announced charges against him involving every animal discovered there. The FBI’s separate investigation that initially brought agents to the property also has not been publicly detailed. The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office investigation into the suspected cockfighting operation remains ongoing.
Author note: Last updated October 6, 2026.