WEST HAZLETON, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — State police say they seized 28 dogs while serving a search warrant at a home in Luzerne County as part of an animal fighting ring investigation.
Pennsylvania State Police say on Thursday, March 6, troopers discovered 28 dogs after an animal cruelty and dog fighting investigation.
A search warrant was issued at a residence in West Hazleton where inside troopers said they found dogs, along with numerous items related animal fighting.
Two gunshot victims discovered, investigation underway
Nineteen dogs were found in crates inside while eight were discovered inside a backyard shed. Troopers say one dog was running loose on the property before being captured.
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Griffin Pond Animal Shelter temporarily cared for the dogs until they were placed in the care of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
"Upon arrival on scene, law enforcement discovered dogfighting paraphernalia, including weighted collars and heavy chains, medication, and treadmills. Some dogs were also observed with scarring and injuries consistent with dogfighting," the ASPCA wrote in a statement Thursday.
Dozens of dogs from a local community are finally receiving the care and treatment they deserve. They were seized from a home in Luzerne County last week after state police said they were a part of one the worst forms of animal cruelty.
Held tight, comforted, and nourished, these dogs along with many others are finally receiving proper care.
On Monday, the ASPCA- "The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals"- took in 28 pit bull-bred dogs.
"I'm just very glad they are out of those conditions," voiced Tracey Morgan-Chopick, Coordinator of the Luzerne County Animal Response Team.
Shocking conditions at this home on Ridge Avenue in West Hazleton. State police say it's part of an animal cruelty and dog fighting investigation.
"I feel bad for the dogs they don't deserve that," stated Steven Guzman, West Hazleton.
Steven Guzman, whose face we're not showing, lives nearby.
He was happy to hear the dogs are in good care but told me he's seen a couple of them before in poor conditions outside the home.
"One of its ears was a little bit off," described Guzman.
On Thursday, February 27, Tracey Morgan-Chopick and the Luzerne County Animal Response Team seized the dogs from the home while serving a search warrant.
"That scene will stay with me for the rest of my life and unfortunately not in a good way," added Morgan-Chopick.
Nineteen dogs were found in crates inside, eight were in a shed outside, and one was running loose out on the property.
The dogs showed scars on their head, chest, and legs, a sign of dog fighting, according to investigators.
"You don't ever want to see that. There's no need for that it's just completely unnecessary," voiced Morgan-Chopick.
Other items located on the property include a weighted collar, treadmill, and spring pole training objects used for the dogs to build strength and endurance.
State police collected medical items being used on the dogs which included iv materials, dog aspirin, and parasite growth retardant solution.
"That's just messed up," stated Guzman.
The ASPCA tells 28/22 News the dogs are receiving medical and behavioral evaluations until placement options are determined.
"It's difficult to see animals in that condition in that state. You know we got them all out and they are in better conditions now," said Morgan-Chopick.
The person inside the home at the time of the search warrant was taken to the Luzerne County Correctional Facility on unrelated charges.
Police are still investigating. There's no word if anyone has been charged in connection with the dog fighting ring.
The dogs began receiving care at the Griffin Pond Animal Shelter before being picked up by the ASPCA. In just the past year alone, nationwide the ASPCA has assisted law enforcement with 17 cases of suspected dogfighting.
