The fate of 41 malnourished pit bulls seized from an apparent breeding operation in Crosby is expected to be decided in court Tuesday, officials said.

The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has temporary custody of the dogs, which were found Friday chained up and in dire condition at a former horse stable in the 900 block of Elm.

If the owner isn't successful in court Tuesday, the animals will likely be destroyed, SPCA spokeswoman Heidi Brasher said, adding that the nonprofit organization does not place pit bulls up for adoption.

"They will be humanely euthanized" if the agency is awarded full custody, Brasher said. A tip from a passer-by led investigators to the dogs late last week, officials said. All 41 animals are adults.

"They did not have access to fresh water. Many did not have access to proper shelter," Brasher said.

Some of the dogs had scars that indicated they may have been used for illegal dogfighting matches. But Brasher said investigators didn't find any fighting paraphernalia.

Reference:

The Houston Chronicle