Luis Castillo, Animal Welfare Act Violation, Rhode Island 2026

Luis Castillo, a 35-year-old Massachusetts man, has pleaded guilty to violating the Animal Welfare Act in connection to his role in a cockfighting derby in 2022. Castillo travelled from Massachusetts to Rhode Island and brought roosters to cockfight for sport, wagering and entertainment.

The crime was committed in Rhode Island in 2022, and Castillo will be sentenced on April 21, 2026. The sentence will be determined by a federal district judge after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Castillo admitted to participating in the cockfighting derby, where roosters were pitted against each other for sport, wagering, and entertainment. The Animal Welfare Act prohibits such activities, which are considered inhumane and cruel to animals.

The case was investigated by the Department of Agriculture’s Office of Inspector General, the Postal Inspection Service, and the Food and Drug Administration’s Office of Criminal Investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by 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, Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and Providence, Woonsocket, and Attleboro Police Departments.

Luis Castillo, whose real full name is Luis Castillo, is currently facing an unknown sentence after pleading guilty to violating the Animal Welfare Act. The exact sentence will be determined by a federal district judge after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

In a press release, United States Attorney Charles C. Calenda announced the guilty plea. Senior Trial Attorney Gary Donner and Assistant Chief Stephen Da Ponte of the Environmental Crimes Section prosecuted the case, along with Assistant U.S. Attorney John McAdams for the District of Rhode Island.

The case serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting animal welfare and enforcing laws that prohibit inhumane activities. Castillo’s guilty plea is a significant step in holding individuals accountable for their actions and ensuring that animals are treated with dignity and respect.

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