RICHLAND, S.C. (AP) - Richland County authorities say they broke up a large dog-fighting operation in raid during which spectators fled and some dogs scattered through a wooded area.
One man was charged with two counts of violating the animal fighting and baiting act after the raid late Thursday. Sheriff Leon Lott says deputies spent Thursday night and Friday seaching for other suspects and rounding up loose dogs.
They have seized 24 dogs so far.
Lott says he has found about 15 dead pit bulls over the past five years on hunting land he owns near the area of the bust. But he says it was difficult to locate the fights until deputies received a tip about barking dogs.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
