Fighting Dogs Impounded at Memphis Shelter

MEMPHIS, TN - The 4 pitbulls seized from the active dog fight were impounded at the Memphis Animal Shelter Thursday night. Director Matthew Pepper says the condition of the dogs shows it wasn't their first fight and it's too early to tell what will happen to them.

"Some violent and aggressive tendencies have been ingrained in them so, it's difficult for us to determine what we can safely do with them," Pepper said.

We don't have photographs of the pits, as they're now evidence in a court case and are being examined. But Pepper tells us they were all around the same age.

"Around 1 to 2. It's not an uncommon age to find dogs in this situation."

Memphis Police say they found the dog fight in progress in the 400 block of Walker after a call Thursday. They describe the dogs as being severely injured.

None of the adults Fox13 talked to at the apartment complex Friday afternoon seemed to know anything about the dog fighting. However taking a look around the property, it was obvious dogs had been living there.

Some of the signs included dog kennels, heavy chains and dog bowls.

"It's getting people to care to begin with," said animal rescuer, Eric Hart.

Hart has been helping rescue pit bulls in Memphis. Picking them up from the shelter and finding them homes. According to Pepper, pit bull mixes make up 50 percent of the nearly 300 animals at the shelter right now.

"It does tax resources to have to house animals for an extended period of time in a situation like this," Pepper said.

Two 16 year-olds were apprehended by officers and issued Juvenile Summons for animal fighting, vaccination of animals and rabies. Police say several other suspects from the dog fight managed to get away.