Allegheny County Sheriff's Office 2008. All Rights Reserved

          Sheriff William P. Mullen announces the recovery of 14 Pitbulls from a residence located on the border of Penn Hills and the City of Pittsburgh. On Monday, September 22, 2008, a Sheriff's Deputy was at a residence in the 1100 block of Lawndale Street to serv legal process to the person in control of the residence. When the Deputy arrived at the home, the Deputy heard multiple dogs within the address whining and crying. The Deputy also noted that there were no apparent operating utilities and the house appeared to be abandoned. Suspecting neglect, the Deputy immediately contacted members of Animal Friends Inc. Humane Officers with Animal Friends posted notice at the address giving the person(s) in control of the property time to respond before issuing the search warrant to remove the animals. There was no response from the homeowner.

          Today at approximately 3:00 PM, a search warrant was issued for the home. Deputy Sheriffs and Humane Officers immediately executed the untreated injuries suspected to be caused from dog fighting. A total of 14 Pitbulls were removed from the property, nine adults and five puppies. Additional evidence suggests that the home was used solely for the purpose of breeding, housing an training the animals for fighting. There was no evidence that anyone resided at the home. A firearm was also recovered at the scene. All 14 dogs have been taken by Humane Officers and are being treated and fed.

          Animal Friends is offering a $5,000 reward for anyone who has information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for the mistreated and malnourished animals. Anyone with information can contact Animal Friends'24 hour emergency hotline at 1-866-948-DOGS or the Allegheny County Sheriff's Office at 412-350-4714.

          For any further information, please contact Sheriff William P. Mullen at 412-350-4700.