More than 40 dogs and puppies have been rescued from what officials believe to be a dogfighting operation in Berkeley County, South Carolina. The rescue, executed by the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office under a search and seizure warrant near Cordesville, revealed the animals living in deplorable conditions. Animal welfare officials from the Charleston Animal Society and Humane World for Animals were present at the scene.

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Aldwin Roman, senior vice president and chief operating officer of the Charleston Animal Society, described the living conditions, stating, "Many of them were on chains, living in pools of water. That just looked filthy. You can tell from their paws they had just been sitting in that for quite a while.”

Shalimar Oliver, case manager for animal crimes at Humane World for Animals, noted that the environment was indicative of dogfighting operations. She added, “What stuck out is just that there are so many of them standing in inches of stagnant water that appeared to be from recent rainfall and some of it appeared to be waste contaminated.”

Roman emphasized the importance of partnerships between law enforcement and animal welfare organizations, expressing gratitude for the Sheriff’s Office’s commitment to addressing animal cruelty.

The recent rescue marks the fourth such operation in the Lowcountry in the past month, following similar cases in Georgetown, Charleston, and Mount Pleasant. Oliver reported that law enforcement agencies are increasingly taking action against these types of crimes, which are often linked to violence and illegal activities, including drug use and gambling.

In South Carolina, dogfighting is a felony that can carry a sentence of up to five years in prison. Oliver explained, “If we look at dogfighting operations, this isn’t usually just a one-time incident. There are often other underlying connections to violent crimes.”

Both Roman and Oliver urged the public to report any suspected animal abuse or neglect. Roman stated, “It’s always been here. There isn’t more animal cruelty; there’s just more response from citizens reporting it.” Oliver added, "If you see something, say something. That can trigger a really big outcome.”

As the court process continues, the rescued dogs are currently considered evidence and will be held until custody decisions are made. Roman highlighted the strain this puts on resources, noting, "We are providing them all the care we can, but it does put a strain on our resources.”

With numerous recent rescues, the Charleston Animal Society is experiencing a shortage of kennel space. Roman stated, “We are just bursting at the seams with animals.” He called for urgent adoptions and volunteers to assist in making room for more animals in need. The Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the investigation is ongoing.