ASPCA Assists SLED with Removal of 11 Dogs from Suspected Dogfighting Case

RICHLAND COUNTY, S.C. - Today, at the request of SLED (South Carolina Law Enforcement Division), the ASPCA assisted with the rescue of 11 dogs from a suspected dogfighting case. The dogs were rescued from a rural property in Richland County, South Carolina.

Upon scene arrival, law enforcement seized dogfighting paraphernalia from the yard on the property. Veterinary forensic science experts also observed dogs with scarring and untreated medical conditions.

In addition to assisting with operational planning, the ASPCA is facilitating the removal and transport of the dogs to an ASPCA facility, where they will receive ongoing care and treatment, while also providing investigative and legal support, as well as forensic veterinary and behavioral evaluations, to aid the ongoing criminal investigation.

"Seeing firsthand the conditions these dogs were living in was a powerful reminder that no animal should have to endure the cruelty and suffering of dogfighting," said Matt Bershadker, ASPCA president and CEO. "Rescue operations like this require tremendous coordination, specialized expertise, and resources, and I'm incredibly proud of our teams and grateful for our partnership with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division and others who helped bring these dogs to safety. From supporting the investigation to providing critical medical care and behavioral treatment, the ASPCA is committed to helping these vulnerable animals get the care they need and the second chances they deserve."

"SLED is proud to work without local, state and federal law enforcement partners on these investigations. SLED's community partners, like the ASPCA, help us all send a clear message: dogfighting will not be tolerated in South Carolina," said SLED Chief Mark Keel.

This rescue comes one month after the ASPCA, in partnership with the Greenville County Sheriff's Office and SLED, removed 10 dogs, including a puppy, from a suspected dogfighting case in Greenville County, South Carolina.

The ASPCA has worked with SLED since 2024, having assisted with more than 16 dogfighting-related search warrants and removal operations helping to rescue over 200 dogs and bring them to safety. The ASPCA and SLED urge the public to educate themselves on how to spot signs of dogfighting and join efforts to bring an end to animal suffering.