A cruelty to animals investigation is under way in Dougherty County

ALBANY — A cruelty to animals investigation is under way following an anonymous tip Sunday morning.

Officers responded at 11:45 a.m. Sunday to the 6100 block of Hardup Road after an anonymous caller complained that a man was fighting dogs in his backyard.

Lt. Chad Kirkpatrick with the Dougherty County Police Department said officers arrived at the residence to find several dogs restrained, none of which was fighting. At some point, two pit bulls that has facial injuries came toward the officers.

In all, Kirkpatrick said, 24 dogs were found on the property. The animals were all cut from their chains and seized by Dougherty County Animal Control. A shift report from the Albany Fire Department said the agency was called in to help break the restraints on the dogs so that they could be taken.

Kirkpatrick said the two dogs were the only ones that initially appeared to be injured. He also said it was possible the dogs had been fighting previously, but whether that is the case was still under investigation Monday.

No charges has been filed by Monday afternoon in the case, Kirkpatrick said.