Providence Man Pleads Guilty to Cockfighting Charges

An abstract image highlighting the importance of animal welfare in the context of cockfighting.

News Summary

Onill Vazquez Lozada from Providence has pleaded guilty to violating the Animal Welfare Act through involvement in cockfighting. He faces serious penalties, including up to five years in prison and substantial fines. This case highlights ongoing efforts against animal cruelty and the legal ramifications of supporting illegal fighting operations, which are condemned for their brutality and connection to crime. Sentencing is scheduled for July 2025, as the community remains concerned about the implications of such activities.

Providence, Rhode Island – Onill Vazquez Lozada, a 39-year-old resident of Providence, pleaded guilty on April 29, 2025, to two counts of violating the Animal Welfare Act related to cockfighting activities. The charges stem from his possession and sponsorship of fighting birds, specifically roosters engaged in illegal animal fighting ventures.

In a courtroom plea, Lozada admitted that on April 27, 2021, he possessed roosters with the intent to use them in fights. Furthermore, he acknowledged his involvement in sponsoring and exhibiting, as well as aiding and abetting in the sponsorship of at least one rooster to fight another on March 6, 2022. Cockfighting, which is illegal in all 50 states, involves attaching sharp objects to the legs of the birds and forcing them to fight until one is either killed or unable to continue. Such events often result in severe injuries or fatalities for the birds involved.

Lozada now faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison and fines reaching $250,000 for each count due to the serious nature of the charges. U.S. District Court Judge Melissa R. DuBose has accepted Lozada’s guilty plea, and sentencing is set for July 29, 2025. The judge will receive a detailed sentencing report from the U.S. Probation Office prior to the sentencing date.

Lozada is one of six individuals indicted by a federal grand jury in September 2022 as part of an investigation into a larger cockfighting operation in Providence. This operation was allegedly orchestrated by Miguel Delgado, a 73-year-old man who is accused of hosting multiple cockfights, referred to as “derbies,” at his home on February 25 and March 6, 2022.

Cockfighting’s Legal and Ethical Implications

Cockfighting is widely condemned due to the cruelty it inflicts on animals and its association with other forms of illegal gambling and crime. The Animal Welfare Act provides federal authorities with the power to prosecute individuals involved in animal fighting ventures, aiming to protect animals from such brutal practices. The law is intended to serve as a deterrent against animal cruelty and to promote a more humane treatment of animals.

Recent Efforts Against Animal Fighting

In recent years, law enforcement agencies have intensified their efforts to crack down on cockfighting and other forms of animal cruelty. Investigations often involve collaboration between federal and local authorities, wildlife organizations, and community groups. National organizations advocate for tougher legislation and increased penalties for those involved in animal fighting, arguing that it is crucial to educate the public about the realities of such activities and their impact on animal welfare.

Community Reactions and Concerns

The presence of illegal cockfighting in a community raises significant concerns among residents about both animal welfare and public safety. Events associated with animal fights can attract large groups, increasing the risk of criminal activity, violence, and public disturbance. Advocacy groups are urging public awareness and involvement to bring an end to such practices, emphasizing the importance of treating all living beings with respect and compassion.

As the court prepares for sentencing, the actions of Lozada and others involved in this case serve as a reminder of the ongoing battle against animal cruelty and the legal system’s role in ensuring justice for animal victims. The upcoming court date will be closely watched by animal welfare advocates and community members who are committed to ending such forms of cruelty in their neighborhoods.