04/18/2026
RESPONSE UPDATE: April Roo’s & Crew 🧡🩵
Transparency is a core part of our integrity, and defending animal dignity is not always
how we picture it or hope it will be.
Recently, AIR Responders were called to assist law enforcement with a large-scale
seizure of game birds connected to suspected cockfighting. What these birds endured
was difficult to witness — law enforcement found many were underweight, some had
been live-plucked, and all showed signs of exploitation that was supported by evidence
found on site.
From the moment we said yes to this response, we committed to them.
Our team provided daily care, compassion, and stabilization. We secured reputable
sanctuary placement — something that is unfortunately rare for game birds — and began
the process of preparing them for transport across the country. AIR covered the cost of
required disease testing, daily care supplies and enrichment, because we believe these
animals deserve every chance at a safe and dignified future.
However, during that process, the birds tested positive for Infectious Laryngotracheitis
(ILT) — a highly contagious viral disease that affects the respiratory system of poultry.
ILT spreads rapidly, poses a significant risk to other birds, wildlife, and the food chain,
and is strictly regulated by the state.
Because of this diagnosis, placement was no longer possible.
With guidance and in accordance with state regulations, the birds were humanely
euthanized.
This is never the outcome we want. None of us put on our AIR uniform expecting or
hoping for this ending. But defending animal dignity also means preventing further
suffering, protecting other animals, and ensuring that even in death, these birds are
treated with care, respect, and compassion.
We did not walk away when things became difficult.
We stood by them — through care, through testing, and through the hardest decision.
When law enforcement calls, especially for cases rooted in cruelty and exploitation, AIR
will always answer. Even when the outcome is heavy. Even when it hurts. And even when
we know we will unlikely be able to fundraise to cover the investment we have made to
try to ensure the possibility of a positive outcome.
We had begun calling them April Roo’s & Crew.
They mattered. They were seen. And they will not be forgotten.
Please keep our team in your thoughts.
🧡🩵
We want to thank the Parker County Sheriff's Office and the Weatherford Animal Shelter
for their collaboration and open mind to the possibility of having a “different” and positive outcome
for the birds. We know placement requires a lot of resources and manpower but it starts
with the willingness to see that immediate euthanasia for game birds should not be the
only outcome when resources are available.
