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COBB COUNTY - The 16 pit bulls seized from an Austell home Monday where police say they were being trained for dog fighting are being held at the Cobb County Animal Shelter, but their fate is uncertain.

"The good news is that the dogs are recovering. We had some cases of malnourishment and injuries, but we're following the vet's treatment plan and right now our focus is to make sure the animals are healthy," said Robert Quigley, a spokesman for the county. "At some point, there will be an assessment to see if they can be adopted out, but that's pretty far down the road."

Cobb Animal Shelter is a kill facility, meaning when an animal is unhealthy or the shelter is over-crowded, animals are euthanized. Shelter officials would not comment on the dogs Wednesday.

Asked why the animals are receiving treatment if their fate is undetermined, Quigley responded, "at this point, they're considered evidence and it's in our interest that they are healthy. Plus, it's the humane thing to do."

Brandon Bond of Smyrna founded Atlanta Pit Bull Rescue three years ago.

"Cobb County is notorious for euthanizing bully breeds. They never release them, they just kill them. It's really sad, but it's generally what happens," even if the dogs make a full recovery, Bond said. He owns All or Nothing Tattoo in Smyrna.

He owns two pit bulls rescued from former Atlanta Falcon Quarterback Michael Vick's property in Virginia.

"Those dogs are miracle dogs in a sense just because Vick was so famous they didn't kill them," he said.

The dogs, Makaveli and Seven, have never displayed signs of aggression.

"It's not in their nature to behave aggressively. People force them into it by feeding them steroids and gunpowder," he said. "But in the case of Michael Vick, not one single dog has shown any sign of aggression, and they have been under a microscope since they've been released."

Atlanta Pit Bull Rescue has placed nearly 200 dogs in new homes. He said most people get involved in dog fighting for money and ego.

"It's people trying to act tough through a different medium - the machismo attitude," he said. "They look at the dogs like property, like a nice car to show off, and plus, they're making money illegally."

Michael Sweeney and Erik Vann are in the Cobb County Jail, charged with 16 counts of animal cruelty, dog fighting and drug trafficking. Sweeney is also charged with possession of a firearm during commission of a felony and theft by taking. Vann is also charged with theft by receiving for a .22 caliber Ruger he allegedly obtained from Sweeney.

Five women were arrested at the house on South Gordon Road and charged with misdemeanor possession of marijuana. Barbara Jennings, Kimberly Jenkins, Esther Bravo and Lasunda McQueen have made initial appearances before a Cobb judge. Jackqulin Bagley had been in front of a magistrate Wednesday afternoon, said Misty Decker in the Cobb County Magistrate Court.

tmollett@mdjonline.com

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