Authorities rescue dogs from suspected fighting ring in Philadelphia

SOUTH PHILADELPHIA -- More than a dozen dogs, including 8 pit bull puppies, have been removed from a home after police raided a suspected dog fighting operation in South Philadelphia.

Neighbors called police around midnight regarding suspicious activity inside a house on the 2200 block of Mifflin Street.

No one was there when officers arrived. But they did find dogs inside: 8 pit bill puppies, some of them scarred, and 5 adult dogs.

They say some of the dogs were in filthy wire cages, and others were tethered to radiators by short, heavy chains.

Humane law enforcement officers believe a dog fighting breeding and training operation had been running at the home for at least several years.

Two treadmills were carried out. Officials explained the dogs would be chained to train on the devices.

Investigators also found syringes they say they were likely used to give the dogs steroids.

They also say blood was found throughout the house, further evidence that the dogs were being trained for fighting.

But neighbors on the block told Action News that while the man who lives in the house did train dogs, he never fought them.

Police have issued a warrant for the owner of the house, who was renting out the property.