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 tr

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