Twelve pups rescued from Kensington dog fighting ring

Twelve dogs were rescued from a Kensington breeding and dog fighting operation Sunday, officials from the Pennsylvania SPCA said in a release today.

Three adult pit bulls and nine puppies were seized from a residence on the 3300 block of H Street. They were kept in unsanitary conditions and suffered from severe neglect and a lack of veterinary treatment, according to the SPCA.

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

Also present in the home were dog fighting paraphernalia and narcotics, the SPCA said. Rasheed Holland, 36, is charged with multiple felony counts for possession of animals used in fighting and related offenses. He may also face additional drug charges, the SPCA said.

The rescued dogs were all taken to the Pennsylvania SPCA’s headquarters at 350 E. Erie Ave for treatment. They will be available for adoption after they are evaluated.