Animal Friends is seeking information about the owner of a group of neglected pit bulls and the abandoned Penn Hills house where they were discovered today.

Humane officer Kathy Hecker said officers found evidence of dogfighting when they searched the home in the 1100 block of Lawndale Street, including heavy chains around their necks, scars on their bodies, dozens of wire dog crates and "products associated with dogfighting."

"That's not something a normal pet owner would have in their house," she said.

Officers removed nine adult pit bulls and five nursing puppies, some with injuries. Some of the dogs were being treated at an emergency clinic and others were in the custody of Animal Friends, Ms. Hecker said.

Allegheny County sheriff's deputies who went to the home this week to serve unrelated tax documents noticed the dogs, she said. The house was vacant and the utilities were shut off.

The Humane Society of the United States offers a $5,000 reward for information leading the arrest and conviction of those involved in dogfighting. Tips can be made to 866-948-DOGS.