TAMAQUA -- Nine pit bulls were found dead in a dumpster in Tamaqua.
Authorities believe there maybe a connection between this case and another one involving pit bulls from two days ago.
A van left the Tamaqua police station Wednesday containing the remains of two pit bulls. They will be autopsied. A total of nine pit bulls were found dead in Tamaqua. Police suspect they were killed by their owner.
The find even disturbs seasoned investigator Police Chief Dave Matson.
"I am very angry, angry that anyone would treat an animal this way and I am very frustrated because I don't have enough to do at my job yet and I am hoping it gets to that point because I don't want to see any more animals hurt," Mattson said.
Here's what police say happened: a man was rummaging through a dumpster and looked in and spotted the dead animals.
Ann Gross of Hillside S.P.C.A. said there is no excuse.
"Disgust, it's just horrible. There is no reason for that. There is always a place to take the dogs or you can't take care of them or don't want them the shelter is always open," Gross said.
Sebastian Noecker of Tamaqua has a pet pit bull.
"I find it heartbreaking that anyone could do that to an animal, especially pit bulls, they're loving animals but they always get bad raps," Noecker said.
Officials say earlier this week, 14 pit bulls were found living in their own filth in a home in Frackville. Documents say they were owned by Mike Williams. He declined to talk to us. Frackville police say they hope to charge him.
Investigators are trying to determine if there is a connection between the dogs in Frackville and the dead dogs found in Tamaqua. Police ask anyone with information about either incident to give them a call.