Over 150 dogs were removed from a suspected dogfighting network across South Carolina.

Last week's extensive operation,coordinated by the ASPCA and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division(SLED),involved seizing animals from ten properties throughout Dillon and Marion counties.Rescuers documented untreated injuries and scarring patterns on numerous dogs consistent with organized fighting.

The animals are now receiving urgent veterinary care at a specialized ASPCA facility.This large-scale intervention underscores the persistent prevalence of illegal dogfighting operations within the United States.ASPCA CEO Matt Bershadker emphasized the organization's commitment:"Though a federal felony nationwide,the brutal practice of dogfighting continues to inflict severe suffering on countless vulnerable animals daily.Ending this cruelty remains our critical focus."

Estimates suggest tens of thousands of individuals annually force hundreds of thousands of dogs into brutal training and fighting circuits.The South Carolina case marks one of seven suspected dogfighting investigations the ASPCA supported law enforcement with in the past year alone.Comparable operations include the rescue of more than 100 dogs from a Pinellas County,Florida,ring last year,and the removal of a dozen dogs(including puppies)from a Luzerne County,Pennsylvania,property just last month.

Functioning as the primary expert in dogfighting investigation and response,the ASPCA assists governmental agencies by supplying forensic analysis,investigative resources,and legal support for related cases.To combat the issue's prevalence,the organization also develops educational materials helping authorities and the public identify potential dogfighting indicators.