ASPCA Rescues More than 150 Dogs from Suspected Dogfighting Operation in South Carolina, Resulting in Nearly 350 Dogfighting Victims Assisted in Past Year

National Dogfighting Awareness Day on April 8 raises awareness about the prevalence of dogfighting and encourages animal-lovers across the country to take action

NEW YORK, April 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In recognition of National Dogfighting Awareness Day on April 8, the ASPCA, which has assisted nearly 350 dogfighting victims across multiple states in the past year, is acknowledging its strong partnerships with local shelters and law enforcement agencies to protect vulnerable animals from one of the most brutal forms of abuse.

Most recently, the ASPCA partnered with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) last week to remove more than 150 dogs from 10 locations across Dillon and Marion counties. The dogs – many of which were observed with untreated injuries and scarring consistent with dogfighting – were transferred to an ASPCA facility where they are currently receiving critical care. This is just one of seven suspected dogfighting cases the ASPCA has assisted law enforcement with in the past year, which also included:

• A suspected dogfighting case last month (March 2025) involving dozens of dogs, including puppies, removed from a property in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. 
• A suspected dogfighting case in Pinellas County, Florida in August 2024 resulting in the rescue of more than 100 dogs. The ASPCA provided subject matter expertise, legal support and conducted veterinary and behavior forensic exams on all the dogs to support the investigation.
• Assisting SLED with the execution of multiple dogfighting-related search warrants across South Carolina in 2024. And in addition;
• Supporting dozens of investigations across the country by providing forensic, investigative and legal assistance from ASPCA subject matter experts.

"Despite being a felony nationwide, the horrific act of dogfighting still occurs all over the country, and the ASPCA is dedicated to putting an end to this cruel suffering that impacts thousands of vulnerable animals at any given moment," said Matt Bershadker, ASPCA president & CEO. "As a leading expert in dogfighting investigation and response, the ASPCA is committed to our collaborations with law enforcement and other animal welfare agencies to bring justice to its victims, provide them with the critical care they deserve, and share our learnings nationally so together we can save even more lives."

The ASPCA is committed to working alongside law enforcement and other animal welfare agencies to bring dogfighting to an end through direct boots-on-the-ground support with seizures, subject matter consultations to assist investigations, and providing trainings for law enforcement across the country to enhance their ability to identify, investigate, respond to, and prosecute dogfighting cases. Earlier this year, the ASPCA held a comprehensive dogfighting investigation and response workshop in North Carolina, attended by more than 50 law enforcement officers, prosecutors, veterinarians, and sheltering professionals.

The ASPCA urges animal lovers to learn more about signs of dogfighting and how to report suspected cruelty by visiting aspca.org/fightcruelty.

ASPCA Footage (Credit/ASPCA) from recent South Carolina suspected dogfighting operation:

Video: 

• https://aspca.box.com/s/i96sgjikdl4vix76e070w77cbeh5vyrt

Photos:

• https://aspca.widencollective.com/dam/externalorderpickup/f7a6d904-606b-4a39-9a98-165b822197df

About the ASPCA^®
Founded in 1866, the ASPCA^® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals^®) was the first animal welfare organization to be established in North America and today serves as the nation's leading voice for vulnerable and victimized animals. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation with more than two million supporters nationwide, the ASPCA is committed to preventing cruelty to dogs, cats, equines, and farm animals throughout the United States. The ASPCA assists animals in need through on-the-ground disaster and cruelty interventions, behavioral rehabilitation, animal placement, legal and legislative advocacy, and the advancement of the sheltering and veterinary community through research, training, and resources. For more information, visit www.ASPCA.org, and follow the ASPCA on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok.

SOURCE ASPCA