Authorities in South Carolina are uncovering an alleged multi-state dogfighting network and giving dozens of abused animals a path to safety.
Officials with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), backed by local sheriff’s offices and Humane World for Animals, rescued 47 dogs and puppies from three rural properties in Chester and Lancaster counties.
According to a press release obtained by PEOPLE, the coordinated operation began on Wednesday, Nov. 5, when teams served simultaneous warrants and found dogs chained in the woods, hidden behind outbuildings, and tethered beside makeshift shelters.
Many of the dogs were thin, injured, and scarred, according to Humane World for Animals and photos from the rescue. The organization added that some of the canines were tied with heavy chains anchored to the ground and plastic barrels. Still, rescuers said the dogs greeted them with hopeful tail wags despite their conditions.
Veterinarians who examined the dogs found injuries consistent with organized dogfighting, including infected puncture wounds, extensive scarring, and severe dental disease.
Several animals were also suffering from flea infestations and significant malnutrition. Investigators noted the sites had equipment typically associated with dogfighting rings, such as treadmills used for conditioning, as well as what appeared to be remnants of a fighting pit.
Per Humane World for Animals, one of the most heartbreaking discoveries was a frail mother nursing her three puppies inside a cramped hutch coated in feces. Although initially frightened, she quickly warmed up to the rescuers for affection. At the same site, rescuers found a dog with an obviously swollen leg. Vets later determined the canine had recent bite wounds that will require further treatment.
