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Police found 12 dead dogs on Rankin Street near Forest Hill. There are no occupied houses on that block. Instead, thereas trash, tires and furniture strewn on the side of the street.

FLINT, MI – Police are investigating how a dozen dogs ended up dead and dumped in the middle of the street in trash bags, a city spokesman said.

The city's blight elimination officers found the dogs Monday morning in the 1200 block of Rankin Street near Forest Hill Avenue, said City Spokesman Jason Lorenz. Lorenz said it is a "definite possibility" the dogs were part of dog fighting.

"Not much else is known right now, but they are looking into all possibilities," he said.

Flint police Chief James Tolbert said it is believed the dogs were pit bulls. It is unknown at this point how the dogs died, he said.

There are no occupied houses on that block. Instead, there's trash, tires and furniture strewn on the side of the street. Lorenz said the blight elimination officers were investigating the area when they found the dogs.

The Genesee County Humane Society animal cruelty officer also is looking into the matter.

The incident remains under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call Flint police at 810-237-6801 or CRIMESTOPPERS at 1-800-SPEAK-UP.