Chained up, malnourished dogs found during bust of SC animal fighting operation
State and federal authorities have seized 47 dogs, many malnourished and bearing scars, that they suspect were used as part of a substantial animal-fighting operation that had been set up between Columbia and Charlotte.
Four people were charged this week with various criminal counts related to dogfighting and mistreatment of animals after law enforcement agents searched property Wednesday in the Lancaster-Chester area, authorities said.
Facing charges are 33-year-old Diara Charles Talford, of Blackstock; Devin Deshaud Mobley, 32, of Great Falls; Zion Damir Hairston, 22, of Lancaster; and 37-year-old Nicholas Kendrell Little, of Lancaster.
In addition to seven counts of animal fighting or baiting, Talford also faces drug trafficking and gun charges, according to a S.C. Law Enforcement Division news release. The others face charges of animal fighting and mistreatment of animals, SLED said.
According to arrest warrants, investigating agents discovered emaciated dogs, some without adequate food and water, that appeared to be part of a dogfighting operation after searching property Wednesday.
Some of the animals were tied up with heavy logging chains outside and had injuries consistent with dogfighting, warrants show.
“The condition of the dogs made it apparent they were not owned for any other purpose’’ but for dog fighting, one of the arrest warrants said.
Another warrant said “the totality of these conditions is believed to have caused the animals unnecessary pain and suffering.’’
SLED issued its news release Friday afternoon and a spokeswoman was not available.. But the news release said the dogs had been placed with the Humane World for Animals organization to receive veterinary care. The organization said it accompanied law enforcement on the Nov. 5 searches.
“It’s haunting to see so many dogs injured, covered in scars and clearly in need of veterinary attention—just stuck on the end of a heavy chain. They looked hurt and alone ,’’ according to a statement from Janell Gregory, South Carolina state director for the Humane World for Animals. “It’s rewarding to see them start to wiggle and give kisses as we got them to safety. We are deeply grateful to SLED for initiating this rescue operation.”
Talford and Mobley were taken to the Chester County jail, where both remained Friday, according to jail records. Jail records indicate Talford was denied bond. Information on the status of Little and Hairston, who went to the Lancaster jail, was not immediately available.
It was not known Friday whether those charged had retained lawyers.
Dogfighting is a bloody, cruel sport that has been a problem in South Carolina and across the country for years. It involves putting dogs, often pit bulls, in a ring and coaxing them to fight. Many of the animals die. Those attending the fights bet on which animal wins.
Before the fights, dogs are often put through rigorous training to prepare for confrontations with other dogs.
State and federal authorities have made numerous efforts to eliminate dog fighting and have made some inroads, although the problem persists.
In 2023, the U.S. Attorney’s office announced the seizure of 120 dogs in South Carolina following a dogfighting bust in the Midlands and Piedmont. A year earlier, authorities recovered 300 dogs and arrested 20 people in what was considered the largest single-day dog-fighting bust in the country, The State has previously reported.
This past June, a South Carolina man pled guilty in federal court of unlawfully operating a dog fighting venture.
A 2004 investigative series in The State detailed the underworld of dog-fighting. Among other things, the newspaper revealed the existence of underground magazines that were used to buy and sell dogs for fighting, as well as to discuss upcoming fights.
Gov. Henry McMaster, while serving as attorney general more than 20 years ago, had commissioned a special dogfighting task force and he has remained interested in stopping the sport. The governor has secured state funding for four animal fighting agents in recent years. A SLED dog-fighting unit in 2024 opened 18 cases, resulting in the protection of 205 dogs and 60 arrests, McMaster’s office said Friday.
“It is vicious,’’ McMaster said earlier this year in seeking public help identifing dog fighting rings. “These pit bulls are trained to bite, rip, cut. And they will grab hold. If the top dog gets the other one down, it will make you cry. I’ve seen the videos.’’
In a statement Friday, his office applauded SLED’s efforts.
“SLED continues to make great progress in shutting down dogfighting operations across South Carolina,’’ the statement from spokesman Brandon Charochak said. “This most recent case is another example of the dogfighting unit’s effectiveness and reinforces that this kind of cruelty will not be tolerated.”
This story has been updated with additional comments from the governor’s office and the Humane World for Animals.
This story was originally published November 7, 2025 at 6:03 PM.
