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Dogs taken in dogfighting ring bust to get new homes through rescue groups

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — The owners of more than two dozens dogs that were seized from a suspected dogfighting ring in Apopka will not be getting their dogs back, despite fighting for custody.

Apopka police busted the alleged dogfighting ring in May at a home on West 7th Street. Police arrested 26 people in connection with the case and Orange County Animal Services took more than 30 pit bulls.

A judge has awarded custody of the dogs to Animal Services, which is now working to get them with rescue groups that find potential owners.

"When they first came in they were very fearful and we worried they would be very aggressive towards other animals," said Carolina Mlynarczyk, with Orange County Animal Services.

The dogs are now living happier lives at the Animal Services shelter, but the agency is hoping the rescue groups step it up.

"We're wanting the rescue partners to work with them and get a feel for them and screen their adopters," said Mlynarczyk.

Two of the dogs taken by Animal Services had to be euthanized because they showed aggression.

"One had extreme animal aggression and the other had people aggression," said Mlynarczyk.

The criminal cases remain open for the suspects accused in the dogfighting ring.