According to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, more than 200 dogs have been rescued from dogfighting rings in the state so far this year.
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Dog fighting, one of the most brutal forms of animal abuse, continues across communities in South Carolina.
According to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), more than 200 dogs have been rescued from dogfighting rings in the state so far this year.
The issue has prompted state leaders to speak out, calling attention to the cruelty involved and the steps being taken to combat it.
Governor Henry McMaster on Monday addressed the severity of the situation, highlighting the extreme violence that occurs in dog fighting rings.
“This is an unspeakable thing that’s happening in our state,” McMaster said. “They turn him loose and boy, they go at it. This is not like a dog fight you might see on the street, where a dog walks by another and they start growling. No, this is vicious.”
While dog fighting occurs statewide, the Midlands region has seen some of the highest numbers of incidents. Since the beginning of 2024, there have been 93 dog fighting-related arrests in Richland, Sumter, and Lee counties alone.
To combat this growing problem, SLED established the Dog Fighting Unit in 2023. Since its inception, the unit has arrested 116 individuals and rescued 492 dogs.
SLED agents are not the only ones raising awareness about the issue. Executive Director of Animal Mission, Jenn Coody described the toll that dog fighting takes on the animals involved.
“Dog fighting is not entertainment, and it’s not victimless. These dogs are victims, and they don’t do this by choice. They are bred and trained for this purpose, and it’s not enjoyable for them. It’s shocking that some people find it entertaining to watch and participate in such violence,” Coody explained.
The trauma inflicted on the dogs involved is both physical and emotional. Many of the dogs rescued from these rings have suffered severe abuse, including being chained for long periods and being trained for blood sports.
Coody added, “It’s a very detrimental form of abuse. These dogs are born and bred to participate in these activities, and they live their entire lives under these horrific conditions.”
One of the most recent investigations, which took place earlier this month, led to the arrest of 11 men in the Dillon and Marion counties. Authorities rescued 160 dogs from this operation, seizing thousands of dollars, firearms, and drugs in the process.
“This is one thing that we don’t need in South Carolina. It’s one thing that some people don’t take seriously,” said McMaster.
As the fight to end dog fighting continues, law enforcement encourages residents to report any suspected dog fighting in the state. Tipsters can contact the SLED Dog Fighting Unit directly at tips@sled.sc.gov.
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