Chester County, South Carolina This week, 47 dogs and puppies were rescued from three suspected dogfighting homes in Chester and Lancaster counties.
Authorities filed search and seizure orders on three properties at the same time early on November 5.
Responders from Humane World for Animals were met on each property by scarred, injured, and underweight dogs with wagging tails, the majority of them were on heavy chains and relied on plastic barrels or homemade buildings for shelter.
Veterinarians discovered that many canines on each location had infected puncture wounds, indicating dogfighting. The majority of the dogs were discovered to be dangerously underweight and flea-infested, with many suffering from painful, serious dental problems.
Dogfighting equipment was discovered on the sites, including treadmills and what appeared to be a broken-down fighting pit.
A very underweight mother dog and three nursing puppies were discovered in a dirty, feces-covered hutch.
“It’s disturbing to watch so many dogs—injured, covered in scars, and visibly in need of veterinary care—stuck on the end of a hefty chain. Janell Gregory, Humane World for Animals’ South Carolina state director, said they appeared hurt and alone.
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division charged the following people in connection:
Diara Charles Talford was charged with 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, two counts of Trafficking in Cocaine – 10 grams or more but less than 28 grams – third offense, Distribution of Cocaine Base – third offense, and other drug-related charges.
Devin Dashaud Mobley was charged with ten charges of animal fighting or baiting, animal cruelty, criminal conspiracy, and drug-related offenses.
Zion Damir Hairston faces 10 counts of animal fighting or baiting and criminal conspiracy.
Nicos Kendrell Little faces eight counts of animal fighting or baiting, criminal conspiracy, and ill treatment of animals.
Talford and Mobley were booked at the Chester County Detention Center. Little and Hairston were booked into Lancaster County Detention Center.
Sheriff Max Dorsey tells Queen City News that officials frequently conduct narcotics investigations before discovering an animal fighting element, and vice versa.
“Horrific conditions. Conditions under which these animals were clearly being trained to fight. And that’s simply abusive. And we take it extremely seriously here in South Carolina. “Our governor [Henry McMaster] has made it a top priority,” Sheriff Dorsey stated.
Investigators also seized firearms and a big quantity of cocaine.
“This was an ongoing investigation that had been underway for quite some time. “Obviously, we want to respond as soon as possible to get those animals in a safe environment and those drugs and guns off the streets,” Sheriff Dorsey said.
The dogs were male and female pit bull mixes. Officials claim they were restrained “by a heavy logging chain and had visible scars on their faces and legs consistent with scarring from dog-fighting.”
According to reports, most of them were underweight and flea-infested. The video depicts the dogs being without meals and drinking unclean water. Agents believe their living circumstances do not match state standards.
“Overall, I think we’ve done nine different dog fighting properties in 2025,” stated Humane World for Animals case investigator Manuel Flores. On Wednesday, he arrived on the scene to assist with the rescue of the dogs.
“I wouldn’t call it average, but we know there are a lot of game yards out there, whether it’s dog fighting or cock fighting. “It just depends on whether law enforcement is aware of them,” Flores added.
All dogs were saved. Flores said the dogs will be thoroughly examined and rehabilitated before being rehomed.
“We’re just trying to provide the support so that we can assist law enforcement officers to take on these properties,” Flores told the newspaper.
