Humane World for Animals assisted the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) in the rescue of 18 dogs, including two puppies, from alleged dogfighting operations located in Timmonsville and Seabrook, SC. This is our second rescue in under three weeks, and our resources are stretched thin. Please donate to help us provide lifesaving medical care and give these survivors the second chance they deserve.
Latest updates
August 14, 2025: Humane World for Animals transported the dogs to a safe, confidential location where responders and volunteers are providing much-needed care and treatment. In-depth exams revealed that several dogs are heartworm positive and multiple require urgent surgery.
August 11, 2025: At the urgent request of South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), we assisted in the rescue of 18 dogs, including two puppies, from alleged dogfighting operations in South Carolina.
Meredith Lee/Humane World for Animals
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Conditions on-scene
The Seabrook property
- It was pouring rain as Humane World for Animals joined SLED on scene at the heavily wooded Seabrook property, where responders found nine dogs chained outdoors with plastic barrels as their only protection from the elements, and a puppy in a pen.
- Many of the dogs had scars consistent with dogfighting.
- A male dog was found with a large open wound on his head, swollen with crusty, dried blood, which veterinarians determined upon in-depth exams was caused by a traumatic injury.
- Another dog was found with facial swelling from an infection, and was in so much pain he had to be sedated to be examined. Additionally, x-rays revealed a broken bone in his foot.
- Another dog was found to have a painful, infected broken tail, which veterinarians noted appeared to be the result of a bite wound.
- Experts identified dogfighting paraphernalia on the property, including supplements, treadmills and weighted collars.
- Beaufort County Animal Control, the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office and the Hampton County Sheriff’s Office also assisted with this effort.
The Timmonsville property
- On the Timmonsville property, seven dogs and a puppy were found outdoors on heavy chains; another dog was found in an outdoor kennel.
- The dogs had a mix of plastic barrels and makeshift wooden structures as their only shelter from the harsh weather conditions.
- Veterinarians noted a heavy flea infestation throughout the population, along with hair loss and skin infections.
- All the dogs on this property were underweight and many had scars consistent with dogfighting.
- Several of the dogs required x-rays, which revealed that one of the dogs has a healed leg fracture.
- Dogfighting paraphernalia was identified on this property as well, including a treadmill and a stand typically used in dogfighting operations to restrain dogs for breeding.
- The Florence County Sheriff’s Office also assisted with this effort.
Meredith Lee/Humane World for Animals
Meredith Lee/Humane World for Animals
Dogfighting is a cruel blood sport and breeds criminal activity
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. Around the world, Humane World for Animals has seen that these cruel events 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.
Over the years, law enforcement raids have unearthed many disturbing facets of this illegal practice. Young children are often present at these events, which promotes insensitivity to animal suffering, enthusiasm for violence and disrespect for the law. Illegal gambling is commonplace at dogfights, with wagers of thousands of dollars at stake. This profitability makes dog fighting commonplace in organized crime settings as well as the streets.
FAQs
As of August 13, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division announced two arrests in connection with these operations, and multiple charges related to Animal Fighting and Baiting as well as Ill Treatment of Animals. Law enforcement is best suited to speak to any further details related to the status of the case.
These animals are not available for adoption at this stage. We are focused on addressing their immediate needs at this time and will share updates as more information becomes available.
The animals are in a safe location receiving treatment and much-needed TLC. We keep the location of animals rescued as part of law enforcement seizures confidential for the safety and security of the animals as well as that of our team on the ground.
The assistance of Humane World for Animals was requested by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, which is leading the investigation.
Many dogs rescued from dogfighting can go on to enjoy safe, happy lives as loving family members, often in homes with other pets. Each dog is unique, and rescue staff can help advise on which animals would thrive with companionship of other pets and how to facilitate introductions.
We always hope to see positive outcomes and a new beginning for the animals we rescue, while recognizing that they have often endured a lot in terms of trauma, wounds and other health challenges. At this stage, we are focused on providing a safe environment for these dogs to decompress as we identify and address their immediate needs while providing expert care.
No, this is the sixth suspected dogfighting case this summer from which Humane World for Animals has rescued dogs. This multi-property rescue operation occurred on August 11. In late July, we rescued dogs from two properties suspected of dogfighting in Indiana, and in June, we rescued dogs from two properties suspected of dogfighting in South Carolina.
Donate today to our Emergency Animal Relief Fund!
We never know where disasters will strike or when animals may be in need of urgent rescue, but we know we must be ready. Your support makes our preparedness, rescue, care and relief work possible.
Meredith Lee/The HSUS