---
title: Richland County Man Charged with Animal Fighting, Ill Treatment of Animals
canonical: https://southcarolinafeed.com/richland-county-man-charged-with-animal-fighting-ill-treatment-of-animals/
published: '2026-11-08T01:29:38-05:00'
updated: '2026-11-08T01:29:38-05:00'
author: SouthCarolinaFeed Staff
section: SLED
places:
- Richland County
tags:
- Animal Cruelty
- Crime
- SLED
source: South Carolina Law Enforcement Division
source_url: https://www.sled.sc.gov/about/updates/sled-helps-rescue-11-dogs-charges-richland-county-man-animal-fighting-and-ill-treatment-animals
publisher: SouthCarolinaFeed
attribution: Copyright SouthCarolinaFeed. Quote with credit to SouthCarolinaFeed and a link to the canonical URL above.
---

# Richland County Man Charged with Animal Fighting, Ill Treatment of Animals

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) charged Thomas Hoefer, 57, with Animal Fighting and Ill Treatment of Animals on Friday, November 6, 2026. SLED partnered with the Richland County Sheriff’s Department, the Columbia Police Department, and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), which transported 11 dogs for medical evaluation and treatment.

Hoefer was booked into the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center in Richland County. The case will be prosecuted by the 5th Circuit Solicitor’s Office.

---

### Press Release: South Carolina Law Enforcement Division

*Reproduced in full from the [South Carolina Law Enforcement Division](https://www.sled.sc.gov/about/updates/sled-helps-rescue-11-dogs-charges-richland-county-man-animal-fighting-and-ill-treatment-animals).*

#### SLED Helps Rescue 11 Dogs, Charges Richland County Man with Animal Fighting and Ill Treatment of Animals

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) charged Thomas Hoefer, 57, with Animal Fighting and Ill Treatment of Animals on Friday, November 6, 2026.

SLED partnered with the Richland County Sheriff’s Department, the Columbia Police Department, and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). The ASPCA transported 11 dogs for medical evaluation and treatment.

Details can be found in the attached warrants.

Hoefer was booked into the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center in Richland County.

The case will be prosecuted by the 5th Circuit Solicitor’s Office.

SLED’s investigation is active and ongoing at this time. Anyone with information about possible dogfighting in South Carolina can submit a tip to SLED by emailing [tips@sled.sc.gov](mailto:tips@sled.sc.gov).

Please see photos below.

Source: [South Carolina Law Enforcement Division](https://www.sled.sc.gov/about/updates/sled-helps-rescue-11-dogs-charges-richland-county-man-animal-fighting-and-ill-treatment-animals)