305 Dogs Found in Heavy Chains, 20 People Arrested for Alleged Dogfighting Operation in South Carolina

305 dogs were rescued from a purported dogfighting ring in South Carolina, and animal rescue organizations are now helping them. The canines were all found in heavy chains, anchored to a tree or a huge metal stake. The authorities also arrested at least 20 people on site.

The dogs were discovered outside, heavily chained to stakes or trees with makeshift shelters and wearing enormous collars. Others were kept in pens outside. Despite the heat, many of the animals were underweight and didn't appear to have access to food or water, as per the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), which assisted in the recovery.

The US Department of Justice reported that nearly twenty warrants were carried out on properties throughout the city of Columbia, South Carolina, area by more than 60 federal and state law enforcement officers. 305 dogs in total were saved, with 275 of those possibly connected to dog fighting. Over 20 people were detained on state charges of dogfighting and animal cruelty.

Largest Dogfighting Raid

According to federal officials, It was the biggest dogfighting raid the state had ever organized.

Several of the dogs also had open sores, cuts, and abscesses in addition to severe scarring. When veterinarians examined each dog, they discovered a few that needed to be treated right away because of how seriously ill they were.

While some of the dogs were kept in wire cages, others were chained out in the open with barrels serving as a makeshift shelter.

Some of the dogs wagging their tails and licking the people as the rescuers approached. Some scurried away from them out of fear.

Janell Gregory, the state director for the HSUS - South Carolina, said that It was upsetting to see the animals in that situation, and it was difficult to take in the smell, the sounds of the dogs whining, and the noises of the heavy chains. The moment the dogs were freed from those cumbersome chains, they gave their rescuers incredible kisses and wags that made their entire hind ends swing.

Felony in 50 States

All 50 US states, along with the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the US Virgin Islands have established that dogfighting is a crime. Federal law classifies it as a felony as well.

For financial gain and the entertainment of onlookers, dogs are not only bred, but also trained to fight one another. People usually place two dogs in a pit and wager on the result. Dogs frequently sustain fatal or seriously life-threatening injuries.

The dogs are particularly bred and trained for fighting from a young age. According to the HSUS, the events are frequently connected to other illegal activities, such as the sale of drugs and weapons, and the animals are usually subjected to lifetimes of abuse.

Adair F. Boroughs, a US Attorney, pointed out that In addition to being illegal on the federal level, forcing dogs to fight-often to the death-for human entertainment promotes cruelty and sadism and can serve as a haven for other illegal activities involving weapons and drugs.

Broken bones, deep puncture wounds, and severe bruising are common wounds. Even days after a fight, the animals can pass away from infection, blood loss, shock, dehydration, or exhaustion.

Rescued and Cared For

The recently saved dogs from the South Carolina raid have been transferred to secure facilities run by the organizations responsible for the seizure. Regular medical attention and veterinary care are being given to them. Veterinarians are discovering a lot of untreated wounds and severe scarring during the examinations.

Jessica Johnson, senior director of the animal rescue team for the HSUS, said that some canines are beginning to stand in the front of the kennel, wagging their tails and begging for attention. Some people are more cautious, but they still accept treats and let everyone handle them. When they receive spray cheese and head scratches during exams, they wag their tails, Treehugger reports.