Cops break up dogfighting ring in Bronx

Cops rescued dozens of injured pit bulls Thursday that they believe were being used in a dogfighting ring in the Bronx.

Raul Sanchez, 57, was arrested Thursday on charges he made nearly 47 pit bulls fight one another in a makeshift arena in an apartment, the NYPD said. They said the space allowed for about 100 spectators to watch the dogs, which ranged in age from 12 weeks to five years, battle.

Investigators from the NYPD's Vice Enforcement Division and the Bronx District Attorney's office recovered dog treadmills, tiny wooden cages, syringes and a loaded handgun.

Howard Lawrence of the ASPCA's Humane Law Enforcement Department, said the dogs had "scarring and other wounds indicative of dog fighting," but said it was too early to tell if any of the wounds would be life-threatening. He said they were being taken to shelters to be evaluated.

"These dogs have no choice when they fight and they don't stand a chance," Lawrence said. "They're just used for sport. It's just a brutal, brutal existence."

Police said they were not looking for any additional suspects, but added that the investigation is ongoing.