United States - August 11, 2025 On Monday, August 11, Humane World for Animals assisted the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) in rescuing 18 dogs, including two puppies, from suspected dogfighting operations in Timmonsville and Seabrook. Authorities served search and seizure warrants early in the morning. At the heavily wooded Seabrook property, responders found nine dogs chained outdoors with only plastic barrels for shelter, and a puppy in a pen. Many of the dogs bore scars consistent with dogfighting. One male dog had a large open wound on his head, while another suffered from an infected broken tail. Investigators discovered dogfighting paraphernalia, including supplements, treadmills, and weighted collars. On the Timmonsville property, seven dogs and a puppy were chained outdoors, with another dog in an outdoor kennel. Shelters consisted of plastic barrels and makeshift wooden structures. Veterinarians noted heavy flea infestations, hair loss, skin infections, underweight animals, and scars indicating dogfighting. Several dogs will require x-rays for suspected fractures, and additional paraphernalia was found. Despite their injuries, many dogs greeted responders enthusiastically. “This scene is becoming all-too familiar. This is the fourth suspected dogfighting property our rescue team has responded to in South Carolina this summer. It was heartbreaking to find injured, scarred dogs languishing on chains, crouching in barrels to seek what little shelter they could from the pouring rain,” said Janell Gregory, South Carolina state director, Humane World for Animals. SLED Chief Mark Keel added, “If you are organizing, hosting or participating in dogfighting in South Carolina, you will be held accountable. Thanks to the continued support from the governor and other state leaders, local law enforcement, as well as community partners like Humane World for Animals, is aggressively investigating dogfighting operations around the state.” The dogs were transported to a safe, confidential location where responders and volunteers are providing care and treatment. This rescue marks the sixth case this summer by Humane World for Animals involving suspected dogfighting, with two previous cases also in South Carolina.