Joliet Man Faces Animal Cruelty Charges: Shocking Incident at Gonzalez Fresh Produce Involving Rooster

JOLIET, Illinois (WLS) — Authorities have apprehended a man accused of assaulting a rooster outside a grocery store in the southern suburbs on Saturday afternoon, according to police reports.

Officers from Joliet Police Department were dispatched to Gonzalez Fresh Produce at approximately 3:45 p.m., following reports of an incident.

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Upon arrival, they encountered Francisco Arreola, a 39-year-old resident of Joliet, who was in possession of a rooster. The bird, displaying tan, black, and white plumage, was restrained with a rope leash secured around its leg.

The rooster showed signs of injury, including cuts and bleeding on its head, with blood staining its feathers, the police revealed.

Initially, Arreola claimed the rooster was his pet and that he was engaged in training it for fighting purposes. He later revised his statement, asserting he was attempting to teach the bird to defend itself.

A witness reported seeing Arreola strike the rooster multiple times after trying to place it into a shopping cart outside of the store.

Officers took Arreola into custody. He has been charged with Felony Aggravated Animal Cruelty, Misdemeanor Cruelty to Animals, Animals in Entertainment Violation, and Obstructing Justice. Arreola had two active arrest warrants out of Kane County.

An animal control officer took protective custody of the rooster. Members of the Joliet Police Department Animal Crimes Team also responded to help with the investigation and coordinate veterinary care for the rooster.