11 dogs rescued as S.C. man charged with animal fighting

HOPKINS, S.C. - A Richland County man was arrested on animal fighting and cruelty charges after authorities rescued 11 dogs, according to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division.Thomas Hoefer, 57, was charged with animal fighting and ill treatment of animals on Nov. 6 after SLED executed a search warrant at a property on Goodside Road.SLED worked with the Richland County Sheriff’s Department, the Columbia Police Department and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.Law enforcement found dogfighting paraphernalia in the yard of the rural property upon arrival, ASPCA officials said. The dogs were observed with scarring and untreated medical conditions. According to SLED, a slat mill was found. Slat mills are used by dogfighters to train and condition dogs prior to a fight. Hoefer identified himself as the dogs’ owner, according to the affidavit. The ASPCA took the 11 dogs in for treatment and medical evaluation. The dogs will be given forensic veterinary and be