On July 4th, while many Americans were celebrating freedom, a brutal display of cruelty unfolded in Titus County, Texas. Law enforcement raided an illegal cockfighting derby and arrested Timothy Thompson—an individual who had already been exposed in March for organizing similar events but faced no consequences. 

This wasn’t a one-time offense. It was a calculated, ongoing operation involving dozens of birds bred for bloodsport, cheering spectators, and unimaginable suffering. The cruelty caught on undercover video is not just a violation of Texas law—it’s a violation of federal law under the Animal Welfare Act.

Yet Thompson still hasn’t been charged federally.

We’re calling on the U.S. Department of Justice to step in and bring federal felony charges against Timothy Thompson. This case is exactly why strong enforcement matters. Without meaningful consequences, offenders learn they can get away with it—and the animals continue to suffer.

Animal fighting is a felony under federal law for good reason. It’s not only barbaric but often tied to other serious crimes like illegal gambling and trafficking. No one should be above the law—especially repeat offenders who show no signs of stopping. 

Please sign this petition to demand justice for these animals and to send a clear message: animal cruelty will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.