28 Dogs Rescued From NY Fighting Ring: Officials

UNIONDALE, NY — More than two dozen dogs were rescued from dangerous conditions in a joint effort by the New York City and Nassau County police departments, along with the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Police raided homes in Manhattan and Uniondale and rescued 28 dogs that were being used for dog fighting, officials said. At least one person was arrested.

The raids occurred early Thursday. Police also seized guns and drugs.

According to ABC7, the raids occurred on Cooper Street in Uniondale and at 162nd Street in Washington Heights.

In Nassau County, police arrested Benito Gittens, 46, of Cooper Street. According to court documents, he was in possession of multiple guns, including a pistol with a collapsable grip, a 9mm handgun, a silencer and two high-capacity magazines. Documents indicate he was not licensed to own a handgun. Officials also recovered a Cane Corso dog at his home that documents say was malnourished, underfed and neglected.

Gittens was charged with four counts of third-degree criminal possession of a weapon, criminal possession of a firearm, and torturing or injuring animals/failure to provided sustenance.

New York City police did not release details about the raids.

"The ASPCA, in conjunction with the NYPD Animal Cruelty Investigation Squad and the Manhattan District Attorney's office, is assisting in the removal, forensic evidence collection, medical care and sheltering of 28 dogs seized from a multi-scene investigation earlier today," the department told Patch in an emailed statement.

The investigation is ongoing.