Hundreds of dogs seized from kennel

(8/07/06 - KTRK/LIBERTY COUNTY, TX) (KTRK) -- Over 250 pit bulls are being seized in Liberty County. Authorities say this is one of the largest operations they have ever seen.

It's all taking place at the West Bend Kennel in a remote area. The investigation began last Monday, when the homeowner on this 23 acre property was shot and killed during an attempted home invasion.

During the course of the investigation, Liberty County officials found 250 to 300 pit bulls being bred on the property. They also found shipping documents, suggesting the animals were bred and then sent all over the country -- possibly for illegal fighting. There is no evidence any pit bull fighting was happening on this property, but Houston Humane Society officers say there are 75 pups in chicken type coops. The rest are chained to ground spikes, living in standing water and their own waste.

The animals will now be transported to the Houston Humane Society Wellness Center, where they will be evaluated. But the process of getting them there will take all day because of the sheer number of animals involved. The dogs are chained in such a way that they don't have contact with each other.

Investigators say this is a good bloodline breed and estimates are that all the dogs on this property could be worth $500,000 to $1 million.

Right now, charges only include neglect as it relates to the animals. More charges could be coming.
(Copyright © 2006, KTRK-TV)

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