A significant crackdown on dogfighting unfolded across the Midlands and Upstate South Carolina, with 120 dogs seized in a recent operation, as confirmed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for South Carolina.
This marks the most substantial single seizure of dogs from South Carolina’s dogfighting rings since a massive operation one year ago, which involved over 60 agencies and resulted in the rescue of more than 300 dogs and the arrests of more than 20 individuals. The previous operation was considered the largest single-day, single-state dogfighting bust in the United States. While Thursday’s operation is believed to be the second-largest, it still underscores the commitment to eradicating dogfighting in the region.
U.S. Attorney Adair Burroughs emphasized, “We’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Dogfighting operations will find no refuge here in South Carolina.”
The operation involved the execution of 10 search warrants at various properties in the Midlands and the Upstate. Investigative efforts were led by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Office of the Inspector General, with support from agencies such as SLED, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, and local law enforcement.
It’s noteworthy that no federal arrests were made during Thursday’s operation. The presence of narcotics and weapons was also reported, and this operation stemmed from leads generated by the ongoing investigation following last year’s crackdown.
Dogfighting is a felony under the Animal Welfare Act, punishable by up to five years in federal prison. Additionally, it is illegal in South Carolina under the 1986 Animal Fighting and Baiting Act, with potential penalties of up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
Last year’s operation was a significant milestone in the fight against dogfighting in South Carolina, rescuing 305 dogs and leading to the arrest of 20 individuals. It was one of the largest single dogfighting busts since the “Missouri 500” operation in 2009, which remains the largest dogfighting bust in U.S. history.
The crackdown in September 2022 was the result of an extensive investigation that included surveillance of properties used for breeding, raising, and training dogs for dogfighting, primarily pit bulls. The operation also revealed dogs with severe scars, kept in isolation with heavy chains.
In addition to rescuing the animals, law enforcement seized firearms, cash, and evidence related to dogfighting. The authorities highlighted the cruelty and inhumanity of dogfighting, emphasizing its link to other illicit activities such as drug trafficking and firearms offenses.
Efforts to combat dogfighting in South Carolina have persisted over the years, with the state’s attorney general and federal authorities collaborating to prosecute individuals involved in this underground and criminal activity. Despite these efforts, dogfighting remains a stubborn issue in the state, often associated with other criminal enterprises.
In 2017, federal authorities conducted raids in the Columbia area, leading to arrests and the recovery of more than 40 dogs associated with an animal fighting business.