Neglected, dead pit bulls found at Riverside County home

LA SIERRA, Calif. (KABC) -- Riverside County animal cruelty investigators found 10 dead and about 25 neglected, emaciated pit bulls at a trash-strewn property in the La Sierra area south of Highway 91.

Photos from the scene depict a house strewn with trash and debris, and dogs that had been malnourished and neglected, appearing weak with their ribs visibly sticking out.

"A lot of dead dogs in the house," said Lt. Chris Mayer with the Riverside County Department of Animal Services. "And starving-looking dogs. Dogs really emaciated. No food, no water."

"It's actually one of the worst cases of animal neglect I've seen in my 15-year career with Animal Services."

The owner was not home at the time that Animal Services investigated the home. That owner is likely to face felony animal cruelty charges, officials said.

The dogs were removed from the property and placed in the care of veterinarians.