As federal law fights to improve legal races, covert activities like those near Lubbock cannot be tolerated
Hockley County, TX — Animal welfare groups applauded action by the Texas Racing Commission (TXRC) and local and state law enforcement to combat illegal horseracing, animal abuse, and gambling in Hockley County, near Lubbock.
The initiative included collaboration with the Hockley County Sheriff’s Office, Texas Department of Public Safety, and Texas Animal Health Commission. Officers executed search warrants at an illegal racetrack known as Carril Mochomos in Levelland, leading to multiple arrests.
Authorities discovered illegal drugs, gambling devices, and equipment associated with animal cruelty, including pain-inducing devices for racing horses. In total, nine individuals were arrested on various charges, including gambling promotion, money laundering, and unlawful racing.
Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy said the authorities were right to take the investigation seriously.
“Our groups have championed the passage of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act to bring safety standards to horse racing,” said Wayne Pacelle, president of Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy. “This outfit operates way outside the boundaries of the law and has the telltale signs of a hell-hole for horses. Kudos to Texas law enforcement for cracking down on this lawless racing venture.”
The operation resulted in the seizure of 135 grams of cocaine and numerous gambling paraphernalia. TXRC emphasized its commitment to enforcing state laws and enhancing regulatory structures.
“There is no place in horse racing for illegal racing that is unregulated and unsanctioned,” said Fred Hudson, director of equine welfare for the groups. “We thank the Texas Racing Commission for investigating this operation and then acting with a raid on this illegal facility and having its operators arrested.”