Humane World for Animals, formerly called the Humane Society of the United States, is assisting the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office in the rescue of over 40 dogs and puppies from an alleged cruelty situation which involves conditions commonly seen in dogfighting operations. Charleston Animal Society also assisted on scene.
The Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office served a search and seizure warrant in rural South Carolina around 7:30 a.m. on Aug. 11. Humane World for Animals responders joined authorities on the wooded property, where they were greeted by numerous dogs on heavy chains. Some of the dogs were standing in inches of stagnant water from recent rainfall, flooding the areas where their chains were affixed to the ground. Several other dogs and 15 puppies were contained in hutches.
Veterinarians noted that many of the dogs were suffering from painful, inflamed paws, apparently from standing in waste-contaminated water for several weeks. Some of the dogs have scarring on their faces and legs, which veterinarians noted appear to be consistent with organized dogfighting.
“It’s heartbreaking to see dogs anchored to flooded chain spots with no escape from the wet—the water they are standing in has been stagnant for so long there are tadpoles swimming around their paws,” said Janell Gregory, South Carolina state director, Humane World for Animals. “The number of puppies on this property is striking—I’m thankful we are getting them out of this situation before more dogs are created to languish here. We are grateful to the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office for intervening to get these dogs the help they need.”
“This investigation is a powerful example of what can be accomplished when law enforcement and animal welfare organizations work together to protect those who cannot protect themselves,” Berkeley County Sheriff Duane Lewis stated. “In Berkeley County, we take animal cruelty seriously. I am extremely proud of our investigators for the work they have put into this case. Our Sheriff’s Office will continue to take allegations of animal cruelty seriously, thoroughly investigate them and hold those responsible accountable under the law.”
The Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office investigator for this case has attended multiple law enforcement trainings offered by Humane World for Animals in recent years, underscoring the value of the organization’s work to support officers through animal crime investigation education and training in addition to boots on the ground assistance with rescue operations. Since 2021, Humane World for Animals has provided over 70 trainings to 20,000 law enforcement professionals in South Carolina through its Law Enforcement Training Center. These trainings are offered at no cost and include courses on investigating animal cruelty and fighting, police and dog encounters, equine cruelty investigations, and animal abuse and violent crime.
Humane World for Animals has assisted law enforcement agencies with the rescue of over 250 dogs from conditions consistent with dogfighting across 15 properties in South Carolina, Indiana and Florida since June 2025.
Humane World for Animals transported the dogs to a safe, confidential location where responders and volunteers are providing much-needed care and treatment.