News Summary
Spencer Lamont Moultrie, a 54-year-old Beaufort County man, was arrested following an investigation into dog fighting activities. Authorities rescued ten dogs from his property, with nine showing signs of organized fighting. Moultrie faces charges for animal fighting and the ill treatment of animals. The rescued dogs are now under the care of local animal welfare organizations while investigations continue into potential links to larger dogfighting operations.
Beaufort County Man Arrested for Dog Fighting as Authorities Rescue 10 Dogs
BEAUFORT COUNTY, South Carolina – Spencer Lamont Moultrie, a 54-year-old man, was arrested on August 11, 2025, following an investigation into alleged dog fighting activities at his residence. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) executed a search warrant at Moultrie’s home after receiving a tip-off regarding the potential abuse of animals.
During the search, authorities discovered ten dogs on Moultrie’s property, of which nine exhibited scar patterns indicative of organized dog fighting, according to a veterinarian’s assessment. One tan male dog was noted to have a wound on its head and visible dogfighting-related scars. The shocking condition of the dogs prompted immediate action from local animal welfare organizations.
Moultrie has been formally charged with animal fighting or baiting and ill treatment of animals. While the specifics of the dogfighting paraphernalia found at Moultrie’s home were not disclosed, multiple items associated with the illegal practice were reported to have been discovered. Following the rescue operation, the ten dogs were taken into custody by the Humane World for Animals organization, where they will receive veterinary care and shelter.
Moultrie was subsequently booked into the Beaufort County Detention Center and later released on a $5,000 personal recognizance bond. The 14th Circuit Court Solicitor’s Office is expected to prosecute his case. It remains unclear whether Moultrie is part of a larger dogfighting operation, as investigations continue and authorities have not ruled out the possibility of additional arrests.
Collaboration of Local Authorities
The investigation was a coordinated effort involving multiple agencies, including Beaufort County Animal Control, the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, and the Hampton County Sheriff’s Office. The initial alert that prompted the investigation came from Beaufort County Animal Services, which observed signs of animal abuse at Moultrie’s property.
In response to the ongoing issue of dog fighting, SLED established its Dogfighting Unit in 2023, which has led to an increase in investigations and arrests related to this particular form of animal cruelty. In 2024 alone, a total of 60 individuals were arrested, and 231 dogs were rescued from suspected dogfighting situations across 16 counties in South Carolina. SLED continues to actively investigate dogfighting incidents, reporting significant rescues and arrests in 2025.
Future of the Rescued Dogs
As for the ten dogs rescued during the recent operation, their future remains uncertain. It is currently unknown whether they will be made available for adoption, as they require evaluation and care following their ordeal.
While the spotlight is on Moultrie’s case and the rescue operation, the ongoing fight against dogfighting practices will remain a priority for local and state authorities. The collaborative efforts of law enforcement and animal welfare organizations aim to dismantle such operations and protect the rights and welfare of vulnerable animals within the community.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Live 5 News
- Wikipedia: Dog Fighting
- Island Packet
- Google Search: Dog Fighting South Carolina
- Post and Courier
- Google Scholar: Dog Fighting South Carolina
- ABC News 4
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Animal Cruelty
- WTOC
- Google News: Dog Fighting
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
