Luis Alberto Hinojosa Morales, a 36-year-old resident of Huntingtown, has been convicted of 10 felony animal cruelty charges related to illegal cockfighting. The conviction was handed down by a Calvert County District Court Judge on January 12, 2024, following an investigation that began in August 2022.
Neighbors had alerted authorities about disturbances emanating from Morales’ property, where a large number of roosters were being kept. Calvert County Animal Control, after conducting an inspection, discovered evidence indicating that the birds were being groomed for cockfighting, along with various tools typically associated with such inhumane activities.
A search warrant granted by the court allowed the removal of the animals from Morales’ property, and upon the announcement of his conviction, Judge Robyn E. Riddle promptly revoked Morales’ bond. He has been ordered to be detained at the Calvert County Detention Center.
Cockfighting, a brutal and illegal blood sport, involves pitting two roosters against each other in a fight to the death. The practice is widely condemned for its cruelty and has been banned in many countries worldwide. Animal welfare organizations and law enforcement agencies have been increasingly cracking down on this egregious form of animal abuse.
In response to Morales’ conviction, Sarah Johnson, an officer from Calvert County Animal Control, stated, We are pleased to see justice served in this case. Cockfighting is a cruel and inhumane activity that inflicts unnecessary pain and suffering on animals. We remain committed to vigorously investigating and prosecuting individuals involved in such illegal practices.
The conviction of Luis Alberto Hinojosa Morales serves as a strong deterrent to those who engage in illegal cockfighting activities. The ruling underscores the seriousness with which the legal system and law enforcement agencies view such offenses and sends a clear message that animal cruelty will not be tolerated.
The wellbeing and protection of animals continue to be a global concern. By addressing and penalizing individuals involved in cockfighting, authorities are taking a proactive stance against animal abuse, thereby contributing to the welfare of all animals.
In conclusion, the conviction of Luis Alberto Hinojosa Morales in the cockfighting case highlights the commitment of law enforcement agencies and the legal system to combat animal cruelty. This case serves as a reminder that the exploitation and mistreatment of animals will not go unpunished. Society’s collective responsibility to protect and defend the rights of animals remains pivotal, as we strive toward a more compassionate and humane future.
