Copyright Charleston Post and Courier
They were covered in scars, weighed down by chains and clearly malnourished, but the torment was finally done for dozens of dogs rescued from three Piedmont region properties on Nov. 5. State authorities, assisted by the Lancaster and Chester County sheriff’s offices and the nonprofit Humane World for Animals, stepped in to put a stop to an alleged dogfighting ring in Lancaster and Chester counties. “The State Law Enforcement Division’s dog fighting unit continues to aggressively pursue anyone who is involved in this illegal activity in South Carolina,” SLED Chief Mark Keel said. “This most recent operation resulted in the rescue of 47 dogs that were taken out of a cruel and abusive environment.” Authorities filed animal cruelty charges, including animal fighting or baiting and ill treatment of animals, against four men in the coordinated investigation. Humane World for Animals, formerly the Humane Society of the United States, took all 47 of the dogs in for veterinary treatment. The name charge, which occurred in February, was made to reflect the broader scope of the nonprofit beyond the U.S. Veterinarians said several dogs had infected puncture wounds consistent with dogfighting. Others were underweight to the point of their skin sinking into their ribs. Many were infested with fleas. Investigators found several pieces of dogfighting paraphernalia, such as treadmills — used as a conditioning tool — and what appeared to be a broken-down fighting pit, Humane World officials said. They also found a female dog nursing three puppies. Despite the evidence of abuse, the dogs were receptive to the strangers who stepped in to rescue them. “It’s rewarding to see them start to wiggle and give kisses as we got them to safety,” said Janell Gregory, South Carolina state director for Humane World for Animals. Humane World for Animals has assisted SLED with dogfighting-related investigations at seven properties this year, resulting in the rescue of 90 dogs. SLED took the four men in Lancaster and Chester counties into custody on the following charges: Diara Charles Talford, 33, for seven counts of animal fighting or baiting, two counts of ill treatment of animals, criminal conspiracy, possession of a firearm, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, and several charges related to cocaine trafficking. Devin Dashaud Mobley, 32, for 10 counts of animal fighting or baiting, ill treatment of animals, criminal conspiracy, and a related drug charge. Zion Damir Hairston, 22, for ten counts of animal fighting or baiting and criminal conspiracy. Nicos Kendrell Little, 37, for eight counts of animal fighting or baiting, ill treatment of animals, criminal conspiracy. Federal authorities, including Homeland Security and the FBI, also assisted in the investigation.
