Cops say 11 pit bulls taken from Columbia shelter

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Columbia police say nearly a dozen pit bulldogs have been taken from the city’s animal shelter during the past two weekends.

The shelter is not staffed on weekends. Police spokeswoman Jennifer Timmons says officials are taking steps to prevent future thefts.

Officials say five pit bulls were discovered missing two weeks ago. Six pit bulls were missing this past weekend.

Animal services superintendent Marli Drum says she can’t talk about the thefts, referring questions to police.

Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott says he thinks the thieves took the dogs to use them for fighting. Lott says the thieves probably figured it was easier to steal the dogs than buy them.