SEABROOK, S.C. () — Authorities rescued several dogs and charged a Beaufort County man with animal fighting and cruelty on Monday.

It was a multi-agency effort, and authorities say those dogs are now in safe hands.

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) enlisted the help of the Humane World of Animals Organization to rescue the animals and ensure their safety.

talked with the national animal group, who gave insight into how dog-fighting operations work, and how they often get uncovered.

“In general, when there’s a dog fighting investigation, law enforcement contacts us for assistance—whether it’s to gather evidence, identify paraphernalia, or, as in this instance, both,” stated Janette Reever, a spokesperson with the Humane World of Animals Organization.

In this particular case, Reever mentioned they aided in removing the animals, collecting evidence, conducting veterinary exams, and will now provide housing for the animals until the court proceedings.

The property where the dogs were seized is off Trask Parkway in Seabrook.

Neighbors and surrounding businesses pointed to where they said, is the exact location they saw police cars pull into on Monday.

They witnessed authorities pull onto Claudie Lane, all the way to the private property that becomes out of sight from the road.

Many of those neighbors said they had no idea of the cruel acts going on behind the tree line.

“Dogfighting basically operates the same as, it’s very underground. They operate the same as you would with organized crime,” said Reever.

Ten dogs in total were rescued by the animal organization. Nine of those dogs reportedly showed scarring that was consistent with being fought.

“Dogfighters often claim, I love my dogs. They’re doing what they love to do. But, in reality, they do it for that person, as these dogs are willing to give everything for their owner,” Reever explained.

With the investigation still active, the organization shared limited details but offered a glimpse into the animals’ current state.

“Extensive medical treatment has been provided,” Reever noted, “But, as is common with most dog fighting cases, the animals have open wounds and broken bones, requiring significant treatment in nearly every case.”

Reever said that dog’s apart of fighting rings are not be looked at as the aggressor, but instead the victim.

“You can’t train a dog to fight. You can only condition them and kind of hone in on their traits that they’ve been bred into them,” said Reever.

Reever said that the dogs are usually chained down with something like a car axel, and are left out in the elements.

They also said the dogs likely never leave the property due to someone becoming suspicious of injuries. Many are treated on the dog fight site with the dog owner’s version of medical care.

“A lot of times when we do these cases, you’ll see that it’s almost like they have their own veterinary area set up. Suture material stuff that if these were show dogs or companions, you wouldn’t have this,” said Reever.

That’s why they said woodsy or deep-set areas can be a prime spot for dog fighters to hide their suspicious activities. But they said they have seen other instances in urban areas.

The organization also said that dog fighting isn’t just tied to one type of group or community.

“A lot of people think that dogfighting is only done in rural and rural communities or in gang affiliations, when in all actuality, there’s been judges, convicted teachers, attorneys,” said Reever.

The organization said that in many cases, people may not notice the actual dog fighting or barking from the dogs. Instead, they start to notice or hear odd activities.

“When you watch these undercover footages of dog fights, the dogs, in the beginning you may hear some barking, some excitement, some beeping, probably within the first three to four minutes,” said Reever. “They are just treated so barbaric, but the dogs are so quiet. What typically gives it away is people sharing or you’ve got a neighbor or a family member that recognizes and says, you know, every Saturday night they’ll walk a dog in and they’ll either  carry a dog out, or they’ll have a garbage bag and leave and they’ll start to think, you know, something’s going on here.”

The organization emphasized that dogs removed from fighting rings can be domesticated into a pet.

“When I started this, I was like I always was under the assumption these dogs are killing machines. There is no way they could live with other dogs. Not every time, of course, but the majority of the time, these dogs, once they’re spayed or neutered and put in the right home, can make incredible companions,” said Reever. “One of the things that’s really just never ceases to amaze me is how forgiving these dogs are. It’s the brutality they face, and yet they’ll stand there with their tail wagging, and they’re like, okay, I’m ready to go.”

The Humane World for Animals Organization said the dogs are continuing to be treated and will be housed with them until court.

The organization offers up to a $5,000 reward for any information leading to the arrest or conviction for dog fighting or cockfighting.

They said that if you see something, to say something.