Seven pitbulls seized during a raid are most likely to be destroyed. The dogs now being held at the Lollypop Farm in Fariport were seized during a police raid on a home at 803 Maple Street on Friday. “We found a total of seven dogs on the property there were four outside and three in dog crates in the attic,” said Humane Society Officer Richard Gerbasi. Gerbasi and Rochester police raided the house after a five-month investigation into alleged dog fighting. 28-year old Ulyssees Russell faces a felony charge of training with intent to fight and a misdemeanor charge possession with intent to fight. Gerbasi says paraphernalia found in the house and the condition of the dogs suggests dogs were being trained for fighting. Humane Society Cruelty investigators removed medications, syringes, and DVD’s of dog fights . The arrest comes in the wake of the recent high profile dog fighting case involving NFL quarterback Michael Vick. Gerbasi says the case helps shine the light on something that's been going on for years. “I don’t think people understood how prevalent it is. I've been doing this for ten-years now and there’s always these dog fighting and cockfighting cases that pop up all the time,” said Gerbasi. Russell is currently in the Monroe County Jail. He also faces drug and handgun charges. Gerbasi says because of the socialization of the dogs all seven will probably have to be destroyed. If you know of or suspect any incidences of animal cruelty you can call the Animal Cruelty Hotline at 585-223-6500.
