Huntersville police served a warrant Tuesday afternoon at a house on Statesville Road suspected of dogfighting.
Huntersville police said a search warrant was executed after information was received that a number of dogs were showing signs of bite marks and other injuries associated with dogfighting on the property.
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals sent investigators to the scene.
Police said 23 dogs were seized. ASPCA officials said the dogs were living tethered to crates outsid,e with heavy chains, living in mud and pools of water.
There were 16 adult dogs and seven puppies removed from the home. Investigators said some were very thin and had scars and broken teeth.
No charges were immediately filed.
Crews said they found equipment at the home that helps train and condition dogs for fighting.
The ASPCA said the first step was getting the dogs somewhere safe.
"It will remain an active case for some time but we are going to medically examine, behavior examine, get them comfy and take them to an undisclosed location and then we're going to wait on the court to do its job,” Kathryn Destrezea, director of investigations for the ASPCA said.
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