Pit bulls at pet shelter on path of destruction

updated 3:33 p.m. ET Jan. 19, 2007

DAYTON, Ohio - Dozens of pit bulls seized in dogfighting investigations have bitten workers at an animal shelter and generally behaved so badly that visitors are warned away from their cages.

Most of the 72 American Pit Bull Terriers bark furiously at visitors, propelling their muscled bodies against cage bars and grabbing hold of coats of passers-by, said Mark Kumpf, director of the Montgomery County Animal Control Center.

The dogs were confiscated in raids by police, starting in July. The animals have been housed by the county at a cost to taxpayers of about $60,000 as the cases go through the courts.

Several workers at the animal center have been bitten, mostly breaking up fights between the dogs when they are removed from cages for cleaning or exercise, Kumpf said.

Some dogs shred the hard plastic flooring in their cages, destroy drain covers and tear water bowls off the wall. Barriers are attached to several cages so the dog inside won't be driven to a frenzy by the sight of another dog.

Built to hold about 100 dogs and cats, the center now operates at 145 percent of capacity, and additional workers were hired to care for animals, Kumpf said.

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