Tuscaloosa Woman Arrested After Police Find 9 Pit Bulls Allegedly Used in Dogfighting

A woman was arrested this week and charged with cruelty to animals after police found nine pit bulls believed to be used in dogfighting at a home in West Tuscaloosa.

According to court documents filed Tuesday, agents of the West Alabama Narcotics Task Force executed a search warrant at a home on 22nd Street this Monday looking for illegal drugs.

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They allegedly found a minuscule amount of cocaine, a razor blade with cocaine residue, small baggies and a digital scale.

Of more interest, though, was the discovery of nine pit bulls who were tethered with logging chains in the backyard.

"All of the dogs had scarring to their faces and front legs, some more severe than others," investigators said in the deposition. "Two of the dogs had injuries to their front legs and one had a severe injury to its mouth and snout."

"Several animal control [officers] came to the property and deemed several of the dogs needed to be seized," the deposition continued. "It was apparent that these dogs were being used in dog fighting."

A woman inside, 36-year-old Kenyatta Nicole Patton, said the dogs belonged to her and her boyfriend.

Patton was arrested and charged with misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia, misdemeanor cruelty to animals and unauthorized possession of a controlled substance, a Class D felony.

She was placed in the Tuscaloosa County Jail where her combined bond was set at $10,500. She has since been released from jail on bail.

It was unclear Wednesday morning if additional charges are pending against Patton or her boyfriend.