12 dogs rescued from suspected dog-fighting ring

Three adult dogs and nine puppies were rescued Sunday from a suspected dog-fighting and breeding operation in the city's Kensington section, the Pennsylvania SPCA said.

Humane law officers from the PSPCA executed a search warrant at a property in the 3300 block of H Street and "pit bull type" dogs were found, said PSPCA spokeswoman Wendy Marano.

Rasheed Holland, 36, was arrested and charged with multiple felony counts related to dog fighting and summary offenses for keeping animals in unsanitary conditions and failing to provide veterinary care, Marano said.

Dog-fighting paraphenalia was recoverred from the property, Marano said.

"Several of the animals appeared to have old scars and wounds from suspected fighting," said George Bengal, the PSPCA's director of Humane Law Enforcement. "Animal fighting is an horrendous form of animal abuse. We are glad were able to intervene when we did."

Holland may face additional charges because suspected narcotics also were found at the location, Marano said.

The dogs were surrendered to the PSPCA and will be available for adoption pending mnedical and behavioral evaluations.

Marano said two puppies already were being processed for adoption.

To visit the agency's website, go to www.pspca.org.