Dog Attack On 71-Year-Old Might Have Exposed Illegal Dog Fighting Ring

Police are investigating a potential underground dog fighting ring after a 71-year-old woman was attacked by a pit bull over the weekend.

York County deputies responded to an animal attack Saturday at a home in Hickory Grove in York County, South Carolina. Officers who rushed to the scene found the victim lying on the ground after she was mauled by a pit bull that she was taking care of, said ABC News.

The elderly was given emergency first aid by deputies and was transported to Charlotte via helicopter.

Deputies told WBTV that the victim was attacked after the canine got loose. Investigation also pointed that she was a relative of the animals' owner and was helping in taking care of the pets.

In addition, officers also found 14 other dogs at the house and showed signs that they were “improperly restrained.”

The dogs were aggressive and their unhealthy state proved that they “lacked adequate food, water and shelter.”

All 14 dogs were taken to the York County Animal Control, while code enforcement officers are investigating the possibility that the dogs were used for illegal fighting, said ABC News, citing a statement from the York County Sheriff's Office.

“This incident speaks to the viciousness and violent nature of raising animals for the purpose of fighting and unfortunately caused very serious and unnecessary harm to an innocent and unintended victim,” expressed Kevin Tolson.

The York County Sheriff added that raising dogs to fight is “cruel, unnecessary and criminal.”