Authorities raided dogfighting kennels in South Carolina, and more than 300 canines were rescued and more than 20 individuals were detained, according to federal prosecutors.
According to the authorities, it is reportedly the biggest dogfighting enterprise ever taken down in the state.
According to a statement from U.S. Attorney Adair Boroughs, the sting was initiated after state and federal authorities stopped a dogfight in Richland County on Saturday.
Due to this, authorities were able to execute 23 warrants on Sunday in counties of Clarendon, Lee, Orangeburg, Richland, Sumter, and York that were known to be home to dogfighting or dogfighting training facilities.
Authorities said that more than 20 persons were detained on state accusations of dogfighting and animal abuse. According to the prosecution, investigators also confiscated roughly 30 firearms and $40,000 in cash.
According to officials, 305 canines were saved, with 275 of them possibly belonging to a dogfighting group. The dogs are being cared for with assistance from Bark Nation and the Humane Society of the United States.
According to Boroughs, the arrests made over the weekend are the initial stages in a larger investigation that may lead to federal charges.
Boroughs said that forcing dogs to fight, sometimes to the death, for human entertainment is not only illegal on the federal level but also cruel, sadistic, and may serve as a sanctuary for other illegal activities including narcotics and weapons.
The declaration states that it is a crime punishable by up to five years in federal prison to own, train, sell, purchase, distribute, receive, or transport canines meant for dogfights.