By Police1 Staff
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Police conducting a drug raid at a western New York apartment complex were confronted by 16 pit bulls suspected of being involved in a fighting ring Tuesday morning.
A Rochester narcotics officer was bitten on the lower leg during the raid and police shot three of the dogs, two fatally, Police Chief James Sheppard told the Democrat and Chronicle.
The seven adult pit bulls and nine puppies were found when police arrived to execute two warrants.
Police found drugs in the home, according to the paper. An unidentified person was charged on felony drug counts, and several others were taken into custody.
Sheppard said a dozen officers participated in the raid and acted according to policy, which requires an efficient entry.
“In that entry the dog is either going to run or it’s going to be put down,” Sheppard said. “As you enter that home, if you allow somebody to get a weapon, that’s even more dangerous than the dog itself.”