They were found chained by their necks.

More than 100 dogs were rescued from what authorities suspect was a dogfighting operation in Florida and South Carolina. Many had been kept in harsh, isolated conditions. Some were confined to crates. Others were tethered to heavy chains beside barrels and wooden boxes.

When several of these young dogs arrived in Cincinnati nearly 1,000 miles away, they were underweight. One had a severe nutrition-related condition that caused his legs to fold under him. Rescue staff say the animals were very skinny. Some had never known comfort, proper care, or affection.

And yet, within days, these same dogs began warming up to their caregivers.

They wag their tails now. They seek attention. One has already been adopted.

But their recovery does not erase what they endured.

Dogfighting is not just cruelty. It is organized violence. It often crosses state lines. It profits from suffering. And it leaves animals broken, starved, injured, or killed.

This case underscores the need for stronger, coordinated enforcement against animal fighting rings. We call on the U.S. Department of Justice and state Attorneys General in Florida and South Carolina to dedicate enhanced investigative resources, pursue maximum penalties under existing federal animal fighting laws, and prioritize dismantling organized networks involved in dogfighting.

Animal fighting is already illegal under federal law. But enforcement must match the scale and brutality of the crime.

The dogs rescued in this case were lucky. Many others are not.

Sign this petition to demand stronger federal and state enforcement against organized dogfighting and to protect animals from being chained, starved, and forced into violence.

No dog should live on a chain waiting to be used as bait.