Three Men Indicted for Animal Fighting in Virginia Beach
A grand jury indicted three men following the seizure of over 200 birds from a property in the Pungo area.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Property Crime
Live Poll
Should those convicted of felony animal cruelty face harsher legal penalties in your state?
A Virginia Beach grand jury has indicted Ruben Leon, David Gil, and Miguel Angel Garcia Torres on charges related to animal fighting. Authorities previously confiscated over 200 birds and 110 eggs from a Pungo property located on Princess Anne Road.
Why it matters
The case highlights the ongoing efforts of local authorities to combat illegal blood sports after an animal control officer identified conditions consistent with cockfighting at the site. The indictment reflects the severity of state charges regarding the treatment of animals used for fighting.
The indictment includes five felony counts of animal fighting and five misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty. The trial for the indicted men is scheduled to begin in March 2027.
The players
Ruben Leon
The 53-year-old property owner at 627 Princess Anne Road who surrendered to authorities.
David Gil
A 61-year-old individual who turned himself in to law enforcement in August 2026.
Miguel Angel Garcia Torres
An individual named in the grand jury indictment who has not yet been taken into custody.
The details
Police search teams used drone footage to survey the 40-acre property before discovering over 200 birds, including 30 gamecocks, in August 2025. Officers identified fighting preparations based on the removal of the animals' wattles, ear lobes, and combs.
Timeline
November 2024: An animal control officer first visited the property.
August 22, 2025: Police searched the property and seized the animals.
August 2026: Ruben Leon and David Gil were arrested.
March 2027: The trial for the indicted men is scheduled to begin.
Legal Context
This case follows a pattern set by local authorities enforcing Virginia's strict animal fighting and cruelty statutes. The investigation reflects a broader trend of utilizing modern surveillance, such as drone technology, to prosecute agricultural property crimes.
Residents of the Pungo area may see continued monitoring of agricultural properties following the discovery of these illegal activities. The removal of over 200 animals from the site has prompted local agencies to address concerns regarding the management of livestock properties.
The takeaway
Authorities utilized advanced drone surveillance to identify evidence of illegal animal cruelty that was otherwise hidden from view. Residents can assist local animal control by reporting suspicious activities related to large-scale animal housing conditions.
What happens next
The trial for the three men indicted for animal fighting and cruelty is scheduled to begin in March 2027.
Further reading
For more on local law enforcement efforts, visit the Property Crime section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Daily Press.
Live Poll
Should those convicted of felony animal cruelty face harsher legal penalties in your state?
