Humane World for Animals, formerly called the Humane Society of the United States, assisted the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division in the rescue of 47 dogs and puppies from three properties suspected of dogfighting in Chester and Lancaster counties this week. The Chester County Sheriff’s Office, Chester County Animal Control and Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office also assisted with the rescue operation.
Authorities served search and seizure warrants simultaneously on three properties early in the morning on Nov. 5. On each property, Humane World for Animals responders were greeted by a scene of scarred, injured and underweight dogs with wagging tails, most of whom were on heavy chains with plastic barrels or makeshift structures as their only source of meager shelter.
Veterinarians noted that multiple dogs on each property were suffering from infected puncture wounds consistent with dogfighting. Most of the dogs were found to be severely underweight and infested with fleas, and many suffering from painful, severe dental disease. Dogfighting paraphernalia was identified on the properties, including treadmills and what appeared to be a broken-down fighting pit.
A severely underweight mother dog and three nursing puppies were found in a filthy, feces-caked hutch. While she initially appeared cautious, she quickly warmed up to her rescuers, soliciting chin scratches. Nearby, responders noted a dog limping on his chain. Veterinarians identified recent puncture wounds from an apparent dog bite on his swollen leg, which will require x-rays. Despite his obvious pain, he was friendly and eager for attention.
“It’s haunting to see so many dogs—injured, covered in scars and clearly in need of veterinary attention—just stuck on the end of a heavy chain. They looked hurt and alone,” said Janell Gregory, South Carolina state director, Humane World for Animals. “It’s rewarding to see them start to wiggle and give kisses as we got them to safety. We are deeply grateful to SLED for initiating this rescue operation.”
“SLED’s Dogfighting Unit continues to aggressively pursue anyone who is involved in this illegal activity in South Carolina,” said SLED Chief Mark Keel. “This most recent operation resulted in the rescue of 47 dogs that were taken out of a cruel and abusive environment along with the seizure of firearms and drugs, all of which only benefited the criminals who were arrested today. I am grateful for the partnership SLED has with Humane World for Animals and their ongoing dedication to assisting our Dogfighting Unit.”
“In the course of answering calls for service and investigating cases, we often come across dogs that appear to have been maltreated and evidence that they have been fought,” said Lancaster County Sheriff Barry Faile. “Dogfighting cases are complex, often involve other crimes like drug and gun law violations, and routinely cross jurisdictional lines. SLED prioritizes these cases and has the resources to thoroughly investigate them. We were happy to assist SLED in this case, and the role of Humane World for Animals in standing with SLED and the other local agencies to come in and rescue and care for these animals cannot be overstated.”
“What we found this week is deeply disturbing but through the efforts of these partnerships, we have taken immediate action that dismantled a horrific animal abuse operation,” said Chester County Sheriff Max Dorsey. “Animal cruelty has no place in our community and it will not be tolerated.”
Dogfighting causes severe and often fatal injuries and egregious suffering, including 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. 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 globe, 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.
Around the globe, 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. 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 has assisted SLED with a number of dogfighting-related investigations in 2025, rescuing approximately 90 dogs from seven South Carolina properties just since June.
These interventions are made possible in part by the unanimous 2024 passage of South Carolina’s cost-of-care law, which requires that the owner of animals seized by law enforcement either pay for animal care or relinquish the animals so they can be adopted. Without such measures, animals seized by law enforcement agencies are required to be held for months or years while criminal cases are prosecuted, imposing a prohibitive cost on law enforcement agencies, animal protection organizations and taxpayers in the state. Humane World for Animals works to advance cost-of-care legislation in states throughout the U.S. to remove that significant obstacle in the enforcement of animal protection laws.
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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