Massachusetts Man Sentenced for Violation of Animal Welfare Act

PROVIDENCE - A Massachusetts man was sentenced in federal court in Rhode Island for his role in a 2022 cockfighting operation in which he brought roosters from Massachusetts to Rhode Island for animal fighting.

Luis Castillo, 38, was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge Melissa R. Dubose to two years of probation, a $200 fine, and a $100 special assessment.

Castillo previously pleaded guilty on January 21, 2026, to violating the Animal Welfare Act, in connection with his role in a 2022 cockfighting operation. As part of his plea, Castillo admitted that he travelled from Massachusetts to Rhode Island with roosters to participate in cockfighting for, sport, wagering, and entertainment.

This case was investigated by the U.S. 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, Animal Rescue League of Boston's Law Enforcement Division, Providence, Woonsocket, and Attleboro Police Departments.

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.