An apartment that was suspected of drug production may have also housed an equally sinister crime, Broward Sheriff's Office deputies discovered.
Detectives found four chained pit bulls starving in the backyard of a Fort Lauderdale residence and the animals were so skinny, some of their bones nearly pushed through through their flesh.
On Friday, detectives received a tip that the apartment at 2681 NW 15th St. was producing and selling marijuana.
When they arrived, they found more than drugs. In the back of the apartment, where a marijuana garden was planted, BSO found the severely malnourished dogs. The dogs could barely stand, officials said.
One dog was in a cage so small it couldn't move. The other three were tied to a fence and laying in their own feces. All of them had bite marks, which led detectives to believe the animals were used in dogfighting. One dog was missing an eye.
The owner of the apartment was not home at the time, but investigators believe he is still in the area. They would not release a name and no arrests have been made.
The animals were taken to the Broward Animal Shelter. It's unclear if the dogs will survive.
