Crime & Safety
Fowl Crime: Roosters Rescued from Alleged Animal Abusers in Traffic Stop
Three roosters in poor condition were rescued by a State Trooper who owns hens of his own.
Four Lawrence men were arrested Sunday on animal cruelty charges after three roosters were found bagged inside the men's vehicle by a State Trooper who owns hens of his own.
State Trooper Sergio Figueiredo pulled over a gray 2003 Honda Accord on Route 84 Sturbridge at 1:45 a.m. for failing to move over for an ambulance that had lights and sirens on.
Figueiredo noticed a large sticker reading 'TRABA 24K' with a rooster silhouette on it on the rear of the vehicle.
When Figuerido approached the vehicle, he noticed something moving inside a bag under one of the car's seats. He also heard noises coming from the bag.
Figuerido then called for backup.
The four men exited the vehicle and the bags - two laundry and one plastic garbage - were inspected to reveal three roosters in poor condition. The roosters had no feathers below the neck and chest and were covered in gouges, police said.
Police said Figueiredo thought two of the roosters were dead.
Another bag inside the vehicle allegedly contained medical tape, nail files, a block of wax, long sharp acrylic talons, and a container of styptic powder which is used to stop bleeding.
Winton Hernandez, 26, Cesareo Ruiz, 54, William Moraels, 22, and Erick Lore-Lopez, 23, all were arrested and charged with animal cruelty; animal fighting, keeping or promoting; and conspiracy. The driver, Hernandez, was also charged with obstructing an emergency vehicle.
Police remind you to call the Animal Rescue League at 617-226-5610 whenever animal cruelty is suspected.
Photos courtesy of Massachusetts State Police
