Bark Nation Assists Federal and State Agencies with Rescue of 275 Dogs from a Suspected Life of Dogfighting in South Carolina
September 28, 2022
COLOMBIA, SC - On September 26, 2022, Bark Nation assisted more than 60 federal and state law enforcement officers with the seizure of 275 dogs from a suspected dogfighting operation throughout multiple properties in the Columbia, South Carolina, area. The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General (USDA-OIG) along with South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) executed 23 search warrants for multiple properties in what is believed to be the largest operation to combat dogfighting in South Carolina History.
Bark Nation’s National Animal Response Unit, along with the Humane Society of the United States and the U.S. Marshals Service, deployed responders to assist with the documentation and removal of dogs from multiple properties early Sunday morning. The dogs were found living outdoors, attached to heavy tow-style chains, with plastic barrels or other minimal shelter as their only protection from the elements. Many dogs had poor body conditions, suffered from untreated injuries, and had no apparent access to food or water. Despite their grave condition, the majority of the dogs removed greeted the animal response teams with tail wags and a hopeful outlook on their future.
“Bark Nation was honored to have the privilege of assisting the USDA-OIG and SLED with documentation and removal of animals from this ongoing case”, said Bark Nation Director of Operations, Jessica Brown. “A vast majority of the dogs we are caring for will require immediate medical care for a variety of injuries and illnesses, but we are hopeful all will recover successfully and be able to begin their life after dogfighting, thanks to the dedication and perseverance of the law enforcement working this case. This was, undoubtedly, the best day of their lives, and we were honored to be on the front lines.”
This operation is part of an ongoing investigation by the USDA-OIG and SLED. Dogfighting is a felony in all 50 states, punishable by up to five years in federal prison for fighting, possessing, training, selling, buying, delivering, receiving or transporting dogs intended for use in dogfighting.
The dogs removed from these locations in South Carolina have been transported to various, confidential locations operated by the agencies involved. Bark Nation is assisting with the daily care for 26 dogs from this case, along with high-level medical and behavioral care, and receives no federal funding for their operations.
Imagine this: your life is confined to only the space that you can reach from your heavy chain. The small enclosure you call home is a poorly insulated plastic barrel, with nothing to protect you from the elements. The only time you get to interact with your owner and get the affection you crave is when you are forced to train or fight. You’re unsure of when your next meal will be, or if you’ll have medical care for your wounds or illnesses. These beautiful, sentient survivors deserve so much more – and Bark Nation is determined to give that to them.
In our care, these sweet babes receive top notch veterinary care, tailored medical, behavioral, and food plans for their specific needs, enrichment/food/kennel cleans twice a day, and the ability to not only learn that humans are awesome, but also how to be a dog at their own speed. The “P2 Crew” is comprised of over 70 unpaid volunteers that have a heart for this mission. Needless to say, we have the greatest volunteers around. It costs our organization $1,431.99 on average to get each survivor ready for their new life. Your support – even just for one survivor – would help considerably to increase our capacity to help save lives.
From skin infections to radiographs to Babesia to heartworm disease to breeding complications to sexual trauma and more, estimated costs of this massive life-saving operation are $37,231.74.
Meredith Lee / The HSUS
We KNOW dogfighting exists because combating it is expensive. We KNOW these dogs deserve LIFE. And we KNOW that, together, we can #EndDogfighting. Please join us in providing the most amazing lives for these 26 deserving, sentient souls.
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