UNION COUNTY, Fla — In a collaborative effort to crack down on dogfighting, authorities rescued more than 80 dogs from Union and Clay counties on Wednesday. The rescue operation was part of a comprehensive investigation involving multiple agencies.

The Union County Sheriff’s Office announced on Facebook that it joined forces with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Office of Inspector General and the Clay County Sheriff’s Office. They are conducting a thorough investigation into dogfighting and animal abuse across several locations.

The largest group of dogs was discovered on a property in Clay County, where 37 dogs were saved.

The Union/Bradford SWAT Team executed search warrants at two Union County properties early Wednesday. The locations, situated on Northwest 71st Run and West County Road 18, were secured with the help of Humane World for Animals. Union County deputies rescued 22 dogs from one site and 23 from the other.

According to the sheriff’s office, the dogs suffered a range of mistreatment, with some showing significant scarring and others living in deplorable conditions.

“Evidence was collected consistent with suspected dogfighting at both locations, to include dog treadmills and an apparent fighting pit,” UCSO said in its Facebook post.

When they arrived, they found dogs living in severe neglect — chained with little shelter, scarred from past injuries, and in some cases missing limbs. That includes one of the first dogs responders encountered.

“His whole paw was just… missing,” said Kate MacFall, Florida’s state director for Humane World for Animals. “And yet he was loving and wagging his tail. I think he was just happy to get out of there.”

Investigators say many of the dogs showed signs of prolonged suffering. Some were tied to short chains and unable to move freely, while others were kept under broken furniture or inside cramped cages so dirty that responders couldn’t show the images publicly.

“They’re bored… they have wounds… they’re suffering,” MacFall said.

Veterinary forensics teams on scene documented injuries consistent with dogfighting and long-term abuse. MacFall said the rescue was overwhelming for the animals — many of whom had lived in near-constant anxiety— but necessary to get them to safety.

“It was scary for them. They didn’t know what was happening,” she said. “Thank goodness these animals are now in a safe place getting care, vet treatment, love, and time to decompress.”

“We would like to thank all the agencies that have been involved in this intensive multi-agency investigation and those that assisted us today to help save these animals,” Union County Sheriff Brad Whitehead added. “Thanks to Humane World for Animals and Veterinarians from the University of Florida Veterinary Forensics Science Laboratory for assisting our agency. We continue to prove that our agency will not tolerate animal abuse and blatant criminal behavior.”

One suspect was arrested Wednesday, according to NCSO. Drew Geer, 41, of Lake Butler, was charged with felony drug possession and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The sheriff’s office said he and others will be charged further by federal and/or local agencies for their alleged connection to the dogfighting and animal cruelty investigation.

The rescued animals are receiving treatment at undisclosed locations to protect both staff and the dogs. Officials say it will be a long road to recovery, and adoption is not expected anytime soon.

Authorities urge the public to help by reporting suspicious activity.

“If you see something, say something,” MacFall said. “These animals can’t call for help themselves—they rely on people to speak up.”

Humane World is also pushing for stronger penalties for animal fighting in Florida. Two new bills—Senate Bill 676 and House Bill 559—would increase sentencing guidelines for animal fighting and enhance penalties for committing cruelty in front of a minor.

Dogfighting or facilitating dog fighting is currently punishable by up to five years in prison.