47 dogs chained to barrels rescued from alleged ‘dogfighting rings’ in South Carolina

Forty-seven dogs and puppies were rescued last week from alleged dogfighting sites in South Carolina. On November 5, Humane World for Animals responders joined law enforcement teams to execute search warrants at three properties in Chester and Lancaster counties. Responders found most of the dogs chained to barrels or makeshift shelters, malnourished and evidently suffering from injuries typical of dogfighting. Veterinarians observed multiple severely underweight dogs, including a mother and her three nursing puppies discovered in a filthy hutch, caked with faeces. Another dog, visibly limping, displayed fresh bite wounds and a swollen leg likely needing x-rays. Despite their suffering, rescuers said many dogs solicited attention and affection as they were freed. Janell Gregory, South Carolina state director for Humane World for Animals, described a harrowing scene. “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,” Gregory said. “They looked hurt and alone.” Authorities say evidence found at all three locations included items commonly associated with dogfighting a broken-down pit, treadmills meant for conditioning, and various paraphernalia. Some sites held firearms and drugs, suggesting dogfighting’s connection to other organized criminal activity. “SLED’s Dogfighting Unit continues to aggressively pursue anyone who is involved in this illegal activity in South Carolina,” Mark Keel, SLED Chief in South Carolina, said. Keel described the recent operation as a “cruel and abusive environment” that resulted in seizing firearms and drugs. Lancaster County Sheriff Barry Faile said: “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.” He added: “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.” Legal changes in South Carolina, including a 2024 cost-of-care law, now let law enforcement either require pet owners to pay for animal care or relinquish seized animals for adoption. Welfare advocates say this modernization clears a major obstacle to timely intervention and shelters can now move animals out of abusive settings more quickly. The operation is part of a series of recent collaborations that have helped rescue about 90 dogs from multiple sites since June. Authorities say these coordinated efforts enabled by stronger laws and deeper agency partnerships are making a difference. For the dogs many scarred, underfed, and injured the rescue marks a new beginning and a chance at recovery. “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.” Gregory added: “It’s rewarding to see them start to wiggle and give kisses as we got them to safety.”.
https://nypost.com/2025/11/17/us-news/47-dogs-chained-to-barrels-rescued-from-alleged-dogfighting-rings-in-south-carolina/

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