Footprints lead agents to crate of cockfighting roosters

ESCOBARES — Footprints led agents to a rooster-filled crate Saturday evening.

U.S. Border Patrol agents working Saturday near the Rio Grande found a trail of fresh footprints near Escobares, according to an agency statement. The trail led agents to a crate full of 20 live roosters, each in a separate compartment, likely to be used for cockfighting.

Agents seized the birds and transported them to the Rio Grande City port of entry, where U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers took control of the crate. Officials with U.S. Department of Agriculture Veterinary Services have placed the animals in quarantine.

Border Patrol officials said they suspect the roosters were intended to be used for illegal gambling at cockfights, or for breeding.

Illegally imported poultry can pose a public health threat, as they can carry diseases that may threaten other birds, agents said.