Dozens of pit bulls in cages found by police after neighbors' complains

Dog owner Michael Padilla, 38, was cited for animal cruelty and neglect and for owning the dogs, which are banned in Denver. He told police he recently arrived from Texas and was preparing to move to a home in Brighton, Colorado.

Photo: Dozens of pit bulls in cages found by police after neighbors' complains

Neighbors had called police complaining about the sounds of dogs fighting, police spokeswoman Virginia Quinones said Monday.

"It was horrible,  it sounded like someone was being attacked or they were fighting," said Rita Poitra, 59, who lives across the street, the AP reports.

One of Padilla's fingertips was bitten off by a dog, police reported, but the owner said his finger got stuck while unstacking dog crates.

He said the animals were for show, but officers said the animals had scars and dried blood on their coats.

"Anyone that is familiar with show dogs would know that these dogs were in no condition to be in the show ring," Quinones said.

Doug Kelly, director of Denver animal control, said at least some of the pit bulls will be returned if Padilla can verify that the animals are headed to a city where they are allowed.