27 pit bulls seized in fighting operation

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CHARLOTTE, N.C., Feb. 10 (UPI) -- Charlotte-Mecklenburg, N.C., police said they have seized 27 pit bulls and a fighting arena in what could be the department's largest dog fighting operation.

Police said the property, near J.H. Gunn Elementary School, was used for both training and fighting of the dogs.

The Charlotte (N.C.) Observer said the seized dogs, rescued Friday, were mostly adults and although some of them had scarring on their faces, most were fairly healthy.

The agency said they hope to put the animals up for adoption or send them for rehabilitation.

The Charlotte Observer said two men, Melvin Smith, 46, and Lefonze Williams, 42, were charged with training of animals with the purpose of dogfighting and baiting.

Both were jailed Saturday.

The Charlotte Observer said the case is the second dog fighting arrest in the past two weeks, but police don't believe the two incidents are related.