PSPCA: 6 puppies, 1 dog found dead

A disturbing case of animal cruelty when seven dogs are found dead in Germantown.

Investigators say they're victims of a dog fighting ring, and they're looking for those responsible.

This past Tuesday, PSPCA Law Enforcement received a tip and executed a search at a home on the 400 block of East Rittenhouse Street.

During their search officers discovered six deceased puppies, around two weeks old, in a trash can in the back yard. A living dog was also found in the yard, and two more dogs were found inside the home. One of the dogs found inside was also deceased.

Officers say the home was in poor condition, and they suspect dog fighting was involved in the death of the dogs.

The two surviving dogs are in fair condition at the PSPCA headquarters where they are in protective custody.

Police say this is now the second time they have executed a search of that property. Back in September of 2014, authorities removed four dogs and two puppies from the home. Some of those dogs had suffered from untreated bite wounds, and other medical conditions.

Animal cruelty charges were filed in that case for the man who lived in the home at the time, Wayne Charleston, whose criminal case is still pending.

Authorities are uncertain whether or not the home is currently occupied, and are seeking the public's assistance in figuring out how the dogs ended up at the home.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Pennsylvania SPCA's Cruelty Hotline at (866) 601-SPCA. Tips can be left anonymously.