On Tuesday, Humane World for Animals, formerly called the Humane Society of the United States, assisted the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) with the rescue 34 dogs from a suspected dogfighting operation in Chesterfield County, South Carolina.
SLED agents served search and seizure warrants on two residential properties early in the morning on April 28. Humane World for Animals responders arrived amid pouring rain to assist with veterinary triage, scene documentation and expert handling and removal of the dogs. The Chesterfield County Sheriff’s Office announced that one of the suspects was a deputy, who has been fired as a result of his arrest for suspected dogfighting.
Most of the dogs were found on heavy chains, several of which were so short the dogs were unable to reach their meager shelters to take cover from the rain. Responders noted trenches—some over two feet deep--around the perimeter of the chain spots, apparently caused by the dogs frantically pacing at the end of their chains. Many of the dogs eagerly pulled against their chains with full body wiggles and tail wags as they greeted their rescuers. Others perched on top of their self-made mountains or huddled in overturned barrels, watching cautiously.
Many of the dogs were covered in scars and wounds consistent with dogfighting. One dog, nicknamed ‘Denali’ by responders, was suffering from open wounds on her chest and shoulder from apparent dog bites. Nearby, a significantly scarred dog—nicknamed 'Fuji’—had open sores on his ears, lesions on his neck, and a series of scars down the length of his back. Several dogs were missing chunks of their ears or lips. As Humane World for Animals rescuers removed their tight, thick collars, veterinarians found that some of the dogs were suffering from raw skin and sores around their necks.
“The scars covering their bodies, and the ground worn beneath their chains told a story of a painful, lonely past. The sense of relief and hope was palpable as we freed each dog and carried them to safety.” said Janell Gregory, South Carolina state director, Humane World for Animals. “We are honored to work alongside SLED on another rescue operation, and another step toward dismantling dogfighting networks in South Carolina.”
“Dogfighting will not be tolerated in South Carolina. Once again, we uncovered illegal drugs and firearms associated with this heinous act,” said SLED Chief Mark Keel. “It is especially disheartening that a former law enforcement officer was involved in this crime. This one person’s actions do not reflect the integrity of law enforcement professionals in South Carolina. SLED will continue to work together with our local, state, and federal partners to seek justice in these cases.”
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.
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. In South Carolina, dogfighting is a felony punishable by up to five years in prison for fighting dogs or for possessing, training, selling, receiving or transporting dogs intended for use in dogfighting.
Humane World for Animals has assisted SLED with a number of dogfighting-related investigations recently, rescuing approximately 120 dogs from nine South Carolina properties in under a year.
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 as well as advance legislation to increase penalties where needed to curb animal fighting.
SLED has announced multiple charges in connection with this matter. Humane World for Animals transported the dogs to a safe, confidential location where responders and volunteers are providing much-needed care and treatment.