The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) has launched a new dogfighting unit as part of a statewide crackdown on organized dogfighting rings, officials announced Monday.
SLED Chief Mark Keel said the illegal blood sport is not only animal cruelty, but often tied to other violent criminal activity. “We’re investigating dogfighting in every corner of South Carolina right now,” Keel said during a press conference held at the agency’s $64 million crime lab on Broad River Road in Columbia.
“This is not just about dogs,” Keel added. “Our agents are finding drugs, guns and large sums of cash at these scenes. This is organized crime that thrives in the shadows.”
In a recent operation, SLED and local law enforcement arrested 11 people in Dillon and Marion counties. Authorities seized approximately 160 dogs, $69,700 in cash, 55 firearms, 17 pounds of marijuana, a kilogram of cocaine, 990 fentanyl pills and more than 2,200 ecstasy pills.
Most of the suspects face multiple charges, including animal fighting, ill treatment of animals, and criminal conspiracy.
Gov. Henry McMaster also attended the press conference, holding a heavy chain commonly used to strengthen dogs for fighting. He described the cruelty involved, citing a court case where a dogfighting video shown during trial caused a court official to leave the room in tears.
“Dogfighters use bait dogs with their mouths taped shut—unable to defend themselves—so stronger dogs can practice killing,” McMaster said. As state attorney general from 2002 to 2010, McMaster prosecuted several dogfighting cases.
SLED’s ongoing investigations have resulted in the recovery of fighting dogs in 16 of the state’s 46 counties since 2024. Arrests are also on the rise: two people were arrested in 2023, compared to 60 in 2024. So far in 2025, 54 arrests have been made and 237 dogs recovered.
Veterinary forensics expert Dr. Jennifer Bonovich, who investigates crime scenes involving dogfighting, emphasized the lifelong suffering these animals endure. “These dogs are bred from puppyhood to fight to the death,” she said. “They cannot testify—but I can.”
Matt Bershadker, president and CEO of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, praised South Carolina’s efforts. “The type of leadership shown by Gov. McMaster and Chief Keel is unprecedented,” he said.
SLED’s dogfighting unit is active in every region of the state and collaborates with local law enforcement, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the ASPCA. Officials said dogfighters often travel between counties and states to participate in illegal fights.
The penalty for dogfighting in South Carolina is up to five years in prison or a $5,000 fine, or both.
“If you’re involved in dogfighting in South Carolina, we will find you, and we will arrest you,” Keel said.
Marion County Sheriff Brian Wallace and Dillon County Sheriff Jamie Hamilton were also present at Monday’s press event.
Anyone with information about suspected dogfighting is encouraged to contact the SLED Dogfighting Unit at tips@sled.sc.gov.
