The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), with the help of the animal control police, rescued 23 pit bulls - seven of which were puppies - after they raided a home in Huntersville, N.C., where the the dogs were trained to fight, according to WXII 12.
A search warrant for the house was executed on Tuesday. The ASPCA and the officers discovered the dogs tied up with heavy chains while living in what the ASPCA described as "filthy" conditions.
"Many were thin and exhibited scars, bite marks, broken teeth and other injuries consistent with this brutal form of cruelty," the ASPCA said in a statement on its official website.
However, a family member has denied their involvement in the alleged dog fighting operation. Lula Reynolds said that the police are questioning her nephew.
"He was raising the pups and selling them (sic) make money some kind of way! People love pits. No pit bull fighting going on here. I'm telling you what I know," Reynolds told WCCB Charlotte.
The dogs are currently under the care of the ASPCA, receiving medical attention, and are being evaluated to see if they qualify for adoption.
