Animal rescuers saved at least 22 dogs and puppies from a fighting ring during a heatwave in Indiana.

Emergency crews raided the suspected animal cruelty network at two properties in Fort Wayne on July 29.

Law enforcement served search and seizure warrants around 2 pm as the heat index neared 43 degrees Celsius.

At the first location, dogs were found panting inside filthy cages and hutches. Many had no access to water despite the intense heat, and several showed scars consistent with dogfighting.

One dog was discovered in a sweltering garage cage with a large, old wound on its neck.

Investigators also uncovered dogfighting equipment, including treadmills and a restraint stand used for breeding.

The second property held dogs chained outdoors with inadequate shelter, many suffering from flystrike - a serious condition caused by flies laying eggs on the animals.

Others were confined to cramped cages without water. A female dog was found covered in scars and missing part of her lip. Blood spatter was identified on the basement walls by veterinarians.

Samantha Chapman, Indiana state director of Humane World for Animals, said: 'Between the suffocating heat, filthy conditions, and bodies covered in scars—it's incomprehensible. Yet these dogs still greeted us with wagging tails and hopeful eyes.'

Dogfighting causes severe injuries, including bruises, puncture wounds, and broken bones. Dogs often die from dehydration, infection, blood loss, exhaustion, or shock hours or days after fights.

The Fort Wayne Police Department, working with Humane World for Animals, Fort Wayne Animal Care and Control, and the Indiana Gaming Commission, arrested suspects and continues the investigation.

Dogfighting is a felony punishable by up to five years in prison.

The rescued dogs were transported to a confidential location, where they will receive care and treatment.