Investigation and Controversy Surrounding the Gallera El Chato Cockfighting Facility
The Aspe City Council began proceedings to revoke the opening license for the Gallera El Chato following a large cockfighting event that drew widespread attention. The gathering occurred on a Thursday and involved roughly 150 men traveling from various parts of Spain and France, highlighting concerns about animal welfare, public safety, and regulatory compliance. National police involvement was reported as part of the unfolding response.
During the operation, authorities detained 19 individuals on charges related to animal abuse and participation in a criminal organization. After spending a night in custody, all but one person were released while charges remained pending. The remaining individual, found during a search warrant executed by the Provincial Police Department, is anticipated to face formal charges on the following day.
A competition similar to the Thursday event had been planned for the prior Saturday, according to some sources.
Investigators identified the facility manager as the principal organizer of the activity. He remains in preventive detention due to linked concerns over drug trafficking. His legal representative, José Soler, declined further comment pending additional information about the incident.
Municipal officials noted that the project required a full year to obtain a construction permit because it did not initially meet regulatory standards. The site operates as a non participating association, meaning access is restricted to members rather than the general public.
The Gallera El Chato resort sits along the access route to Aspe from Alicante, a detail repeatedly confirmed by local authorities. Information gathered indicates that Saturday’s events were not disclosed to the authorities in a timely fashion, while other reports suggest the activity predates that date. Local police reportedly faced limitations in their ability to intervene when a crime became evident, and calls to security forces did not yield an immediate response.
The question of which agency should respond was not clearly resolved, and the national police could not be mobilized because the site falls under civil guard jurisdiction. The operation involved personnel from the Drug and Organized Crime Unit of the Alicante Judicial Police Brigade. Investigators determined that the facility was equipped to host cockfights with a capacity of roughly two hundred participants.
Most of the birds recovered were roosters. Some sustained injuries such as leg damage and spur loss as the fights progressed and bets were placed on outcomes. Reports from participants indicated that seriously injured birds were sometimes sacrificed, along with those that died during matches, and bodies were concealed to avoid detection by law enforcement.
Authorities are continuing to assess the event, the facility’s licensing status, and any potential violations of animal welfare laws. Observers note that if the site fails to meet safety and regulatory requirements, it could face enforcement actions beyond license revocation, including possible penalties for illegal animal fighting activities. The case illustrates ongoing concerns about underground or poorly regulated venues that operate outside standard oversight and the need for coordinated interagency responses to similar incidents. Citations: local authorities and investigative agencies tracking licensing compliance, public safety considerations, and animal welfare statutes.