Hundreds of dogs saved from fighting to death as cops find 'sadistic' underground ring

dailystar.co.uk:

canines were rescued from a "sadistic" underground dogfighting operation which saw 23 people arrested after a police raid.In what is believed to be the largest raid of its type in the state's history, authorities interrupted a face-off between two pooches when they raided dogfighting kennels in Richland County, South Carolina, on Saturday, September 24.

The state-wide operation saw dogs fighting or trained to fight in six counties in South Carolina before authorities swooped.READ MORE: 'Shafted' WizzAir passengers stranded after they're sent in taxi to wrong countryThat led agents to serve 23 warrants on Sunday, leading to more than 20 arrests.

People were arrested on state charges of animal cruelty and dogfighting, authorities said. Investigators also seized about 30 guns and $40,000 (£37,150) in cash, prosecutors said.Some 305 dogs were also rescued and are now being cared for by animal charities.

Officials said 275 of them were believed to be part of the dogfighting ring. US Attorney Adair Boroughs said in a statement the arrests could be the first part of a wider investigation which could lead to federal charges.