RICHLAND COUNTY, SC (WACH) - Richland County deputies say a dog seized from a Midlands dogfighting ring is making progress and living with a new family.
In September, Loki was one of 24 pit bulls taken from what authorities call a significant dogfighting operation in Richland County.
Six people have already been arrested and charged in the case and investigators expect to make more arrests.
Loki has been adopted into a foster home and is adapting to his new surroundings and bonding with his new family and their other pets.
Typically in South Carolina, animals seized in dogfighting rings are euthanized, but Sheriff Leon Lott and Pawmetto Lifeline have vowed to rehabilitate the animals and get them into homes.
"The easiest thing that could have been done is to put these animals down, but that’s not the right thing, we are going to do the right thing," said Sheriff Lott earlier this month.
Since the 24 dogs were seized, one of the animals has had three puppies. All of the dogs have received their shots, been heartworm tested, micro chipped, and are receiving treatment to protect against heartworm, roundworms and hookworms.
The Sheriff'ss Department is continuing to work with a large number of people and organizations to take care of the dogs and foster them out .
The bills for these efforts are mounting. If you would like to help you can donate to the Richland County Sheriff's Foundation, P.O. Box 1182, Columbia, South Carolina, 29202.
Money raised will help offset the costs of caring for the animals to cover medical expenses and boarding. Officials are still looking to foster homes and volunteers to help with the dogs until they can be adopted. If you are interested you can call Pawmetto Lifeline at Pawmetto Lifeline at 803-622-4748.
TV Station Profiles & Public Inspection Files forWACH