More than 80 dogs and puppies were rescued from a suspected dogfighting operation in North Florida on Wednesday, rescuers said. The animals were discovered in dire conditions — many restrained on heavy chains and covered in scars, some housed in plastic barrels while others were trapped in filthy hutches and forced to stand in their own waste — and were moved to a secure facility to begin healing.

Furry Friends, a no-kill rescue organization based in Jupiter, led the operation and worked alongside Humane World for Animals and local law enforcement to remove the animals from the site. The group said the animals needed immediate shelter and care after being found in conditions consistent with prolonged neglect. Signs of a dogfighting operation can include multiple dogs kept on heavy chains, dogs with visible scars, and makeshift fighting pits. Such indicators can help the public recognize and report suspected operations to the authorities.

“Furry Friends said that they teamed up with Humane World for Animals and local law enforcement to conduct the rescue,” the organization said. Furry Friends conducted the rescue operation and coordinated transport and intake at the receiving facility so the dogs could begin medical treatment and rehabilitation.

Rescuers counted 80 dogs in the operation; every animal was taken into custody by the rescue teams and moved to the secure facility where veterinarians and caregivers could assess injuries and start treatment. The rescued animals included both adult dogs and puppies and were described by the rescue as being in urgent need of veterinary attention and a controlled environment for recovery. Some national animal welfare organizations report that the share of U.S. shelters operating as no-kill facilities has increased in recent years, reflecting a growing commitment to rescuing animals.

Descriptions from the scene emphasized the severity of the animals’ living conditions: many were chained on heavy restraints and bore scars, some had only plastic barrels for shelter, and others were confined in hutches so filthy they were forced to stand in waste. Those vivid details guided the rescue teams’ decisions about immediate intake, isolation where necessary, and prioritization for medical care. The long-term effects of dogfighting can include chronic pain and infections, which these animals will need help overcoming as they begin their recovery journey.

Furry Friends encouraged community support for the recovery effort, saying that contributions would help cover veterinary bills, rehabilitation, and long-term placement for the dogs. The organization stated that “every contribution makes a difference in their mission to help Florida’s animals in need,” and is seeking donations and foster support to aid the animals’ transition from crisis to care.

Resources on recognizing and reporting suspected dogfighting operations are available through organizations such as the Wounded Paw Project, which offers guidance for the public on signs of organized animal fighting and how to alert authorities. This material is provided as general background to help neighbors and concerned citizens identify situations that may require intervention.

The rescue was conducted on Wednesday with Furry Friends, Humane World for Animals, and local law enforcement listed as participants in the operation. The animals are now in the custody of the rescue and receiving care at a secure facility where staff will assess their medical and behavioral needs and develop plans for rehabilitation and placement.

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Original reporting: view the original article.