MALDEN, Mass. (AP) – Seven pit bulls were removed from a home in Malden after their owner, who officials said had been running an illegal kennel, apparently left the animals and personal belongings behind when he moved about two weeks ago, the city’s animal control inspector said.

The dogs were removed Saturday without incident from a garage and several cages in the yard of the Beach Street home.

“The dogs weren’t aggressive to the officers,” said Kevin Alkins, the inspector. “These dogs were never involved with biting people.”

Some of the pit bulls were not in the best of shape, and were being treated at a nearby Animal Rescue League facility, Alkins said.

“It is believed that (the owner) did leave food and water,” Alkins said.

Representatives of the Animal Rescue League, the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the Malden Police Department were investigating the dogs’ owner, whose identity they declined to release. Alkins said it has not been determined whether criminal or civil charges will be brought against the owner.

In December 2001, the owner of the dogs was cited for running an illegal kennel, Alkins said. An unspecified number of dogs were removed at that time, he said.

AP-ES-07-19-04 0410EDT