Stolen Dogs ID’d, Training Compound Uncovered

BAMBERG CO. (WOLO) — A dog theft investigation spanning multiple counties comes to a close, as a third suspect is arrested, stolen dogs are identified and the dog training compound the animals were kept in, is busted by police. Columbia Animal Shelter officials say five of the more than half dozen stolen from its facility over a three week period have been identified. They urge the public to call if they believe any of the unidentified dogs belong to them. You are asked to produce your lost pet’s shot records and photographs to help officials confirm you as the dog owner. Meanwhile, Bamberg County officials continue to investigate what they call a makeshift brainwashing training compound discovered in a rural part of town. That’s where they believe the stolen dogs from Columbia were transported to for the purpose of learning to fight. They say an actual dog fighting ring never existed on the property. They plan to question three suspects arrested by Columbia Police upon completion of CPD’s investigation. A fourth suspect, a juvenile, is still wanted by authorities. If you’d like to contact Columbia’s animal shelter call 803-776-PETS.