COLUMBIA, S.C.—Yesterday, Humane World for Animals, formerly called the Humane Society of the United States, assisted the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division in the rescue of 23 dogs and puppies from an alleged dogfighting operation involving two properties in Richland County, South Carolina.
Law enforcement officials served search and seizure warrants on two properties around 8 a.m. on June 12. Most of the dogs throughout the properties were found living outdoors, panting on heavy chains with rudimentary shelters as their only protection from the elements. Veterinarians noted that many of the dogs had scars consistent with dogfighting. One dog was found with open, untreated wounds and a fractured leg. Some had no access to water, including a nursing mother dog contained in a cage with a litter of six puppies so young their eyes are not yet open.
Responders noted a burial pit with bones and an apparent canine skull on one of the properties.
Despite their circumstances and inadequate living conditions, many of the dogs appeared eager for attention.
“Looking at the scars on these dogs, it’s clear they have been through a lot, yet they greeted us with wagging tails and hopeful eyes,” said Janell Gregory, South Carolina state director, Humane World for Animals. “No dog deserves to suffer from the cruelty of dogfighting—we are incredibly grateful to be able to help get them to safety, and to SLED for intervening in this situation.”
“These arrests are part of the latest investigation in an ongoing effort against dogfighting in South Carolina,” said SLED Chief Mark Keel. “This would not be possible without community partnerships like the one we have with the Humane World for Animals. And thanks to the continued support of Governor Henry McMaster, the legislature, as well as other state and local law enforcement, SLED’s Dog Fighting Unit can continue their important work. I hope these dogs can go on to enjoy a better life. These charges send a clear message - dogfighting is inhumane, and it’s illegal, and if you do it in South Carolina, you will face consequences.”
Dogfighting causes severe and often fatal injuries and egregious suffering. The dogs used in organized dogfighting operations are specifically bred and conditioned for fighting, which is only the beginning of a lifecycle of abuse and mistreatment. Across the country, Humane World for Animals has seen that these spectacles of cruelty have often been found to co-occur with other crimes related to weapons, violence, gambling and illegal drugs.
Typical dogfighting injuries include severe bruising, deep puncture wounds and broken bones. Dogs used in these events often die of dehydration, infection, blood loss, exhaustion or shock hours or even days after the fight.
This seizure is part of an ongoing investigation by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. Dogfighting is a felony punishable by up to five years in prison for fighting dogs or for possessing, training, selling, buying, delivering, receiving or transporting dogs intended for use in dogfighting.
Humane World for Animals transported the dogs to a safe, confidential location where responders and volunteers are providing much-needed care and treatment.
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