Police Obtaining Arrest Warrants In Larimer Dog Fighting Ring

Pittsburgh police acting commander Kevin Kraus told Channel 11 Thursday that police are in the process of obtaining arrest warrants for people connected to a large-scale dog fighting ring inside a Larimer home.

Police said three people at the Clifford Street home were questioned after someone stopped a police officer and told him a dogfight just took place inside.

Police found nine pit bulls chained in a yard and three more in crates.

Police said some of the dogs were doing OK, but others had cuts and scabs on them. A dead dog was found in a closet, and police said there were blood stains on the basement floor. Authorities said it appeared as if the dog had just been in a fight.

"They found canine steroids in the refrigerator as well as other antibiotics for dog infections," Kraus said.

"Dogs were in good health," said Animal Control Officer Gerald Akrie. "Like I said, physically, two or three did have some bite marks (and) scratch marks, but the majority of the dogs were in good health and in good spirits. Very friendly dogs."

Police said they also found devices used to train dogs to fight, including a pen and tub with an apparatus hanging above it and chains hanging from the ceiling. Police said they found syringes, dog antibiotics, a gun and a bullet-proof vest.

They said high-tech surveillance equipment to monitor the house was discovered, too.

Dog fighting is a felony in Pennsylvania. Police said it's also illegal to watch a dog fight.

The surviving animals are quarantined at a local shelter.

"We have been advised by animal control not to discuss their condition or anything about them really," said Tifanie Tiberio of the Animal Rescue League.