Massachusetts Man Sentenced for Cockfighting

Providence - A Massachusetts man was sentenced today in federal court in Rhode Island for his role in a 2022 cockfighting operation, including transporting gaffs from Massachusetts to Rhode Island for use in animal fighting.

Jose Rivera, 70, was sentenced by U.S District Court Judge Melissa R. DuBose to two years of probation, a $200 fine, and a $100 special assessment.

Rivera previously pleaded guilty on April 13 to violating the Animal Welfare Act for his involvement in the 2022 cockfighting operation. As part of his plea, Rivera admitted that he traveled from Massachusetts to Rhode Island to participate in a cockfight and that he transported gaffs and other sharp instruments he had purchased, which were designed or intended to be attached to a rooster's leg during a fight. Rivera further acknowledged that he knew the cockfights were conducted for sport, wagering, and entertainment.

Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD) and First Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles C. Calenda for the District of Rhode Island made the announcement.

"This sentence sends a clear message: animal fighting is a cruel and unlawful activity, and those who cross state lines to participate in or support these operations will be held accountable," said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles C. Calenda. "We remain committed to working with our federal, state, and local partners to dismantle animal fighting rings and protect the welfare of animals in our communities."

The matter was prosecuted by Senior Trial Attorney Gary Donner and Assistant Chief Stephen Da Ponte of ENRD's Environmental Crimes Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney John McAdams for the District of Rhode Island.

This case was investigated by the Department of Agriculture's Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Food and Drug Administration's Office of Criminal Investigation, and the Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Office of Law Enforcement, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Rhode Island State Police, Massachusetts State Police, the Animal Rescue League of Boston's Law Enforcement Division, and the Providence, Woonsocket, and Attleboro Police Departments.