Police say more than a dozen pit bulls were recovered when Yonkers police busted a drug and dog fighting operation. According to police, officers raided the Alida Street home looking for drugs Tuesday. Police say during the raid they found 6 ounces of cocaine, drug distribution equipment and about $16,000 in cash.
Police say while searching the property they also discovered 15 pit bulls living in horrific conditions, a dog treadmill, weighted chains and drugs that breeders use to create stronger and more vicious pit bulls.
Yonkers Police Commissioner Edmund Harnett says the evidence recovered suggests the dogs were fought and trained at the location.
Police arrested 25-year-old Peter Byrne, who lives at the house with his girlfriend and two small children, and another Yonkers man, 27-year-old Anthony Gonzalez. Both men are charged with felony drug possession. Harnett believes detectives also have evidence to build a case of felony animal cruelty against the two suspects.
Police also found two dead pit bulls in trash bags near the Yonkers-Bronx border. Police are not sure if that find is connected to the arrests at Alida Street or to the discovery of two pit bulls found in a Yonkers dumpster in January.
The 15 pit bulls are being treated for malnourishment and injuries at the Yonkers Animal Shelter.