JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – One man arrested on felony animal fighting charges Tuesday is just one of several other people believed to be involved in a Jacksonville cockfighting ring, the head of the city's Animal Care and Protection Services said Wednesday.
Timothy Prosser cannot own or possess animals while his case is pending, a Duval County judge ordered Wednesday after animal control officials said 56 fighting birds were found inside his home on New Kings Road in the Dinsmore area.
Judge Pauline Drake set Prosser's bond at $15,000 for two third-degree felonies; one count of possessing or owning a wild or domestic animal for the purpose of fighting or baiting and one count of possessing or using equipment for animal fighting or baiting. Prosser bonded out of the Duval County Jail Wednesday evening.
Animal Care and Protective Services Division consultant Jim Crosby said the arrest of Prosser is just the start of the agency's investigation.
Crosby said they're working to determine where the bird fighting was happening and who else was acting with Prosser.
"The investigation is proceeding. We are looking at other locations. We are looking at potentially other people involved. There may, as time goes on, there may be more charges involved," Crosby said.
The 56 roosters and hens seized were evaluated by veterinarians Wednesday.
Even though the birds were not visibly injured, investigators said there was other evidences that suggested they were used in the cockfighting ring.
The comb -- the red part on top of a rooster's head -- had been cut off one of the birds, which is a sign of fighting, Crosby said.
"It is going on somewhere, without a question. There is no evidence to indicate yes or no that there was cockfighting going on site.There wasn't like an arena built. But a small cockfight does not take a lot of equipment," Crosby said.
Neighbors told News4Jax that they knew Prosser had animals, but they did not believe bird fighting was going on at the site.
Prosser's business partner, William Muncy, who raises chickens himself, said he was surprised to learn of his friend's arrest. He said Prosser has given him some roosters in the past.
"Never have I seen any chicken fighting or anything that even resembles any type of chicken fighting or anything like that," Muncy said.
Prosser's arrest came after animal control officers said they received a tip and went to check on the welfare of Prosser's dogs, who were chained up in the front.
Investigators then spotted the birds in the back of the property and found fighting paraphernalia, including injectable steroids and knives that are strapped on the birds' legs so they can do more damage during fights, Crosby said.
"My officers were checking on the welfare of the dogs. They observe the chickens and thought something might be going on. And then, in open view, came across some physical evidence that gave us probable cause to proceed with an investigation into cockfighting," Crosby said.
PHOTOS: More than 50 birds seized in cockfighting bust
State officials will be checking on the birds to see if they are disease free, and if so, they will be relocated or adopted out.
Prosser's arrest report said that when he was asked if he was fighting the chickens, he said no. But that he told investigators, "Whatever you have back there is mine. No one else is involved."
Investigators said Prosser, 38, was "peripherally involved" in a cockfighting case several years ago. He, his wife and children were living at the home where the birds were found. However, they were preparing to move, Crosby said.
The state attorney's office and the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office will be assisting ACPS in the investigation.
"This isn't going to be the end of it," Crosby said.
Prosser will next be in court at 9 a.m. Aug. 31.