14 Arrested in Texas After PETA Probe Into Horse Abuse and Illegal Gambling

Law enforcement in Texas has taken 14 people into custody after a crackdown on Carril Mochomos, an illegal quarter horse racing venue in Levelland. 

Texas Horse Racing Bust Uncovers Drug Abuse and Illegal Gambling

The bust happened on September 29, 2024, capping off a probe that went on for months, kicked off by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). The animal welfare group had sounded the alarm about rampant horse mistreatment and shady goings-on at unregulated “bush tracks” throughout the state, Carril Mochomos being one of them.

PETA filed a complaint with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) earlier this year. It exposed over 50 tracks operating in Texas. These tracks are known to drug horses with stimulants. They also subject horses to cruel treatment, like whipping and electroshocking, to boost their chances of winning. These unlawful races often involve big money, with bettors wagering hundreds of thousands of dollars.

During the raid, law enforcement officials found 135 grams of cocaine, many gambling devices, and big piles of cash. On top of that, they discovered illegal drugs for horses and humans, along with electrical shocking devices to push horses past their limits on the property. The Texas Racing Commission (TXRC), which took part in the raid, confirmed these tracks put the health and safety of the animals at risk and hurt the reputation of legal horse racing in the state.

Texas Racing Bust Targets Prominent Underground Jockeys and Broadcasters

The people arrested are facing charges that include organized criminal activity, money laundering unlawful racing, and helping illegal gambling. The accused include track operator Cesar Pacheco and big names in the underground racing world such as jockey Daniel Avila and bush racing broadcasters Ramon Garcia and Edna Hernández.

Carril Mochomos was advertising its events on social media even asking families to come with promises of fun for kids. Its slick marketing, along with the size of the gambling operations, points to a well-established and profitable business.

This is not the first time PETA has exposed illegal racing activities. Their earlier probes in Georgia resulted in charges against several people for animal cruelty and illegal gambling. The group’s discoveries also led to regulatory action in states like California where the Racing Board has prohibited its licensees from taking part in bush track racing.

As probes go on, the TXRC, along with other law enforcement agencies, stays focused on shutting down illegal racing operations. Amy F. Cook, who runs the TXRC, stressed that the commission would keep working with state and local agencies to enforce rules and protect both racing’s integrity and the animals’ well-being.