We recently assisted the Berkeley County Sheriff's Office with the rescue of over 50 dogs, including puppies, from a property in South Carolina. The animals were found living in extremely poor conditions. Some were found to be malnourished and dehydrated or suffering from other untreated medical conditions. Four dogs were in such critical condition that they required immediate emergency veterinary care.

Overall, the scene was heartbreaking. Most of the dogs on the property were confined to dilapidated wooden kennels saturated with urine and heavily soiled with feces. Some also had scarring consistent with dogfighting, and dogfighting paraphernalia was found, including a treadmill, medications and supplements and a breeding stand.

When we arrived on the property, it was clear immediate intervention was necessary to remove these dogs from the inhumane conditions they were living in so we could provide them with much-needed care. The dogs have been transported to an ASPCA recovery center where they are receiving forensic veterinary examinations, medical treatment and behavioral care and enrichment.

Despite being a felony in all 50 states, dogfighting persists and the suffering it causes is far-reaching. These suspected dogfighting victims — and the hundreds more that we’ve helped rescue over the past year — have suffered the worst kind of human betrayal. Support from compassionate people like you helps bring animals like these dogs to safety and helps us give them the lifesaving care and second chances they deserve.

Please make an urgent gift now to support our continued care efforts for these dogs, and to rescue and protect more animals who are suffering.