Greater than 20 individuals had been arrested and greater than 300 canines had been rescued as authorities raided dogfighting kennels in South Carolina, federal prosecutors mentioned Monday. Authorities mentioned it is believed to be the biggest takedown of a dogfighting operation within the state's historical past.
The sting began when state and federal brokers interrupted a dogfight in Richland County on Saturday, U.S. Lawyer Adair Boroughs mentioned in a press release.
That led brokers to serve 23 warrants on Sunday that had been identified to be locations the place canines combat or are skilled to combat in Clarendon, Lee, Orangeburg, Richland, Sumter and York counties, investigators mentioned.
Greater than 20 individuals had been arrested on state costs of animal cruelty and dogfighting, authorities mentioned. Investigators additionally seized about 30 weapons and $40,000 in money, prosecutors mentioned.
Officers mentioned 305 canines had been rescued, with about 275 of them believed to be a part of the dogfighting ring. The Humane Society of the USA and Bark Nation helps care for the canines.
The arrests over the weekend are the primary steps in a broader investigation that would embody federal costs, Boroughs mentioned.
"To power canines to combat, usually to the dying, for the enjoyment of others shouldn't be solely a federal crime, additionally it is merciless, sadistic, and might create a haven for different illicit actions involving medicine and firearms," Boroughs mentioned.
In line with the assertion, preventing canines or possessing, coaching, promoting, shopping for, delivering, receiving or transporting canines meant for dogfights is a felony punishable by as much as 5 years in federal jail.