Providence Man Pleads Guilty to Cockfighting Charges

Categories: Breaking NewsCrimeGovernment NewsNews

A representation of illegal cockfighting depicting a rooster in the ring.

News Summary

On April 29, 2025, Onill Vazquez Lozada, a 39-year-old Providence resident, pled guilty to federal charges related to cockfighting. He faced two counts for possessing and sponsoring birds in an illegal animal fighting venture, violating the Animal Welfare Act. The legal implications include a maximum five-year prison term and a hefty fine. His case underscores a broader crackdown on illegal animal fighting and reflects ongoing efforts to ensure animal welfare and legal accountability in such matters.

Providence – On April 29, 2025, Onill Vazquez Lozada, a 39-year-old man residing in Providence, pleaded guilty to federal charges related to cockfighting. Lozada faced two counts of possessing, sponsoring, and exhibiting birds in an illegal animal fighting venture, which violates the Animal Welfare Act. His guilty plea was accepted by U.S. District Court Judge Melissa R. DuBose.

Lozada admitted that on April 27, 2021, he was in possession of roosters intended for fighting. Furthermore, on March 6, 2022, he acknowledged sponsoring and aiding at least one rooster in a match against another rooster. This illegal activity involves a brutal practice where sharp instruments such as knives or gaffs are attached to the roosters, leading to severe injuries or frequently resulting in death.

The legal consequences for Lozada are significant. He now faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a fine of $250,000 for each of the two counts. Sentencing will occur once Judge DuBose reviews a detailed report from the U.S. Probation Office, which will provide recommendations regarding the punishment.

Details of the Case

The investigation into Lozada’s activities was conducted by several agencies, including the Department of Agriculture’s Office of Inspector General, U.S. Marshals Service, and various state police departments. This collaborative effort points to a wider crackdown on illegal animal fighting, emphasizing the severity of such offenses in the eyes of the law.

Additionally, the investigation identified Miguel Delgado, a 73-year-old man from Providence, as allegedly hosting the cockfights where Lozada was implicated. This highlights the network of individuals involved in such illegal activities and the community’s role in perpetuating these brutal events.

Understanding Cockfighting

Cockfighting is a practice that pits roosters against one another in a fight, often leading to the death or severe injury of these animals. Fights typically conclude when one rooster either dies or refuses to continue fighting. The barbaric nature of these events has led to stringent laws against them, reflecting societal values regarding animal welfare. The penalties associated with engaging in cockfighting are designed to deter individuals from participating in or supporting these activities.

Legal Framework and Context

The Animal Welfare Act is a federal law that outlines the treatment of animals in various settings, including fight-related instances. The Act prohibits animal fighting ventures and sets forth severe penalties for violators. Lozada’s case serves as an important reminder of the legal repercussions that accompany participation in animal fighting, advocating for humane treatment of animals.

As awareness grows regarding the cruelty involved in activities such as cockfighting, law enforcement agencies continue to take action against individuals who violate animal welfare laws. The combined efforts of federal and state agencies are essential for addressing and preventing animal cruelty and ensuring that offenders face appropriate penalties.

Conclusion

Lozada’s guilty plea is part of a broader effort to combat the illegal practice of cockfighting and protect animal welfare. As the sentencing approach, the case stands as an important indicator of how seriously authorities are taking animal fighting crimes and underscores the collective commitment to ensuring justice for animals.