Police Raid Dogfighting and Gambling Ring in Daegu, Arresting 68 Suspects

Police in Daegu, South Korea have arrested 68 individuals following a large-scale raid on what authorities believe was an illegal dogfighting and gambling operation. According to South Korean broadcasters TV Chosun and TBC, investigators say many of those detained were caught actively placing bets on the outcomes of animal fights during the event.

The suspected fights were reportedly organized at an empty lot located within an industrial complex on the outskirts of the city. Law enforcement officers, together with activists from the animal rights organization Korean Animal Welfare Association, stated that the matches were held inside a compact fighting space described as a “3-meter by 3-meter iron cage,” while spectators allegedly observed the bouts while seated on camping chairs.

Animal welfare activists reported disturbing conditions around the venue, saying they discovered “fighting dogs used for gambling purposes” tied up in bushes near the site. Police also found additional animals “chained to the guardrails on nearby roads,” suggesting multiple dogs were being kept in and around the area in poor conditions.

Investigators believe large sums of money were being wagered on the fights, with gamblers reportedly betting “tens of millions of Korean won” on the outcomes of the illegal contests. When police carried out the raid, most of the suspects attempted to flee, but officers said many were trapped after running into police netting installed to block the one-way access point into the industrial complex.

Describing the scene, an animal welfare representative said, “People were gathering near the entrance to escape, vehicles were swarming in, and car horns were blaring,” adding that “It was absolute chaos.”

Authorities also confirmed that several of the dogs rescued from the scene had sustained serious injuries. Some animals are now receiving veterinary treatment. Activists described one case as particularly severe, stating they found a dog in a “horrific condition,” with injuries including broken teeth and a badly gashed leg believed to have resulted from an especially violent fight.

Police have filed charges against the arrested individuals for violations related to animal abuse as well as illegal gambling. Investigators also said they are widening their inquiry to identify those believed to be the organizers or masterminds behind the operation.

During the raid, officers reportedly discovered syringes and various illegal substances that were allegedly used on the injured animals at the scene, further intensifying concerns about cruelty involved in the operation.

South Korea’s current legal framework allows for a maximum penalty of two years in prison for causing injury to animals for gambling-related purposes, along with fines of up to 20 million won, equivalent to less than $14,000. However, critics argue that these penalties are insufficient. Animal welfare advocates have described the punishments as unreasonably “lenient,” warning that weak enforcement is contributing to continued illegal activity.

Late last year, activists in the southern regions of the country warned that dogfighting rings were becoming increasingly “rampant.” They also argued that enforcement efforts by courts and police have been “lax,” a situation they say has contributed to a “resurgence” of dogfighting and related gambling activities in areas including South Gyeongsang Province.

By fLEXI tEAM