BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- A Baltimore man faces firearms and animal cruelty charges after police say they found several guns, two pitbulls and dog fighting paraphernalia in his home and a nearby vacant home.

The Baltimore Police Department's Animal Abuse Unit launched an investigation after getting a tip that dog fighting activity was occurring in houses in the 1800 block of W. Lanvale Street.

On Monday, detectives executed search and seizure warrants at 1819 W. Lanvale Street and 1821 W. Lanvale Street.

From 1821 W Lanvale Street, they say they recovered a treadmill and various paraphernalia, two dogs, a Savage Arms shotgun, a .38 caliber revolver and a sawed-off shotgun.

At 1819 W. Lanvale Street they found a vacant home that allegedly showed evidence that dog fighting was taking place inside.

Detectives arrested 53-year-old Vernon Richards, of 1821 W. Lanvale Street.

A tip is what led police to the home where the alleged dogfighting was happening.

Police say they found several dogs bred and trained specifically for battle.But police describe what was happening inside as cruel and criminal.

Police say the home is technically vacant but when they arrived here and went inside, they found evidence of dog fighting.

"Things like treadmills, weights, some medical supplements to get the animals to make them stronger,"  said Baltimore City Police Lt. Jarron Jackson.

And found Richards with four adult pitbull dogs in heavy chains on the property.

"It's actually sad because it's on my block and I was unaware of my surroundings," said one neighbor .

The West Baltimore dog fighting bust is the latest but not the first or even biggest for the City.

In 2014, Baltimore Police dismantled a massive dog fighting ring, with more than 200 dogs trained by torture and living in gutwrenching conditions. 22 men were indicted for the underground operation spanning across several states.

A City law banning so-called breeding stands, breaking sticks  and other dogfighting equipment has not stopped the blood sport.

"They're raised to respond to the various commands. It is really from the beginning to the horrific end," said Mary Beth Haller, assistant commissioner environmental health at the Baltimore Health Department.

"The public needs to be made aware of the link between animal abuse and other forms of violence," said Haller.

"Anyone who would hurt an animal would harm a human being," said Jackson.

The four recovered dogs are being evaluated. It's not clear what will happen to them.

Richards, who's criminal record bans him from having guns, was found with this stockpile.

Richards has been charged with an array of fireams and animal cruelty charges. He is also prohibited from possessing firearms due to his prior criminal record.

Richards is currently at Central Booking waiting to see a court commissioner.

Some signs of dog fighting include multiple dogs, wearing heavy chains, sometimes with cuts and bruises. You can report animal cruelty by calling 311 or text the tip line at 443-902-4824.

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