More than 50 Dogs and Puppies Rescued from Inhumane Conditions in South Carolina Through Joint Effort Between ASPCA and Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office

Subaru of America, Inc. supports the ASPCA’s rescue and rehabilitation efforts as part of the Subaru Loves Pets^® initiative

October 15, 2025

BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C.—At the request of the Berkeley County Sheriff's Office, the ASPCA assisted in rescuing more than 50 dogs, including puppies, from a property in Berkeley County, South Carolina. The animals were found living in extremely poor conditions. Some were found to be malnourished and dehydrated or suffering from other untreated medical conditions, and four dogs were in such critical condition that they required immediate emergency veterinary care. Most of the dogs on the property were confined to dilapidated wooden kennels saturated with urine and heavily soiled with feces. Some also had scarring consistent with dogfighting, and dogfighting paraphernalia was found on scene, including a treadmill, medications and supplements, and a breeding stand.

“When we arrived on the property, it was clear immediate intervention was necessary to remove these dogs from the inhumane conditions they were living in so we could provide them with much-needed care,” said Teresa Ladner, senior director of investigations for the ASPCA. “The ASPCA commends the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office for recognizing the need for expert assistance in this case and for prioritizing animal welfare in their community.”

“Animal cruelty will not be tolerated in Berkeley County,” Berkeley County Sheriff Duane Lewis stated. “The conditions we discovered were inexcusable, but a quick start to the investigation allowed deputies to rescue the animals and bring the suspect to justice. This case is a reminder that cruelty, of any kind, has no place in our community, and those responsible will be held accountable.”

The dogs will be transported to an ASPCA recovery center where they will receive forensic veterinary examinations, medical treatment, and behavioral care and enrichment. Through its partnership with the ASPCA, Subaru of America, Inc. generously contributes to the ASPCA’s rescue and rehabilitation efforts as part of the Subaru Loves Pets initiative. Subaru is passionate about supporting the nation’s most vulnerable shelter animals—lovingly referred to as the Underdogs—such as those rescued in this case, who are often overlooked and need extra care and support to find safe and loving homes.

The ASPCA deploys nationally to assist local authorities with animal cruelty cases including animal fighting, hoarding and puppy mills. It also provides local communities with resources including grant funding and training to effectively assist animals affected by cruelty and disaster situations. The ASPCA urges the public to learn more about signs of animal cruelty and how to report it by visiting aspca.org/fightcruelty.