Miami-Dade man arrested after search warrant execution uncovered alleged cockfighting setup, caged roosters and dogs

Arrest follows warrant search in Southwest Miami-Dade

A 62-year-old Southwest Miami-Dade property owner was arrested Monday, Feb. 23, 2026, after deputies executed a search warrant at a rural residential parcel in the 24400 block of Southwest 123rd Avenue as part of an animal-cruelty and animal-fighting investigation.

The suspect, identified as Leonardo Cabrera, was booked on charges that include breeding or possessing animals for fighting, animal cruelty with intent to injure or kill, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He remained in custody Tuesday morning at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center, with bond listed as “to be set.”

What investigators say they found on the property

Deputies who searched the property reported locating multiple roosters described as “game fowl,” individually housed in cages. Investigators also documented a training structure consistent with a cockfighting setup, including an enclosed training ring and items described as rooster-related supplements and handling equipment. Authorities additionally reported finding syringes and medications associated with animal care or conditioning.

Deputies also reported discovering a deceased rooster still inside a cage on the premises.

Beyond the birds, deputies reported finding 10 dogs in individual cages. The report described unsanitary conditions inside the cages and indicated that food was not accessible to the animals at the time of the search.

• Location searched: 24400 block of Southwest 123rd Avenue, Miami-Dade County
• Reported findings: individually caged game fowl roosters; an enclosed training ring; animal medications and syringes; a deceased rooster; caged dogs in unsanitary conditions
• Custody status: held at TGK with bond pending a court determination

Firearm allegation tied to prior felony status

Deputies reported locating a gun on the property. Investigators stated Cabrera is a convicted felon and is therefore prohibited under Florida law from possessing firearms or ammunition. That alleged discovery formed the basis for an additional charge in the case.

How Florida law treats animal-fighting and cruelty allegations

Florida statutes broadly prohibit organizing, facilitating, or maintaining a location for animal fighting, as well as possessing animals for the purpose of fighting. Separately, state law criminalizes animal cruelty and provides enhanced penalties for aggravated conduct involving intentional acts or conditions that cause severe suffering or death.

The case remains in its early stages. Charges are allegations, and prosecutors must prove them in court. Cabrera invoked his right to remain silent during the investigation, according to the arrest documentation.

What happens next

The next procedural step in the case is expected to be a first-appearance or bond hearing, where a judge will review the arrest and determine release conditions. Investigators have not publicly detailed whether additional arrests are anticipated or whether the probe includes suspected spectators, organizers, or related gambling activity.