David Howard Blische, 37, of Morganton, is charged with cruelty to animals, according to a news release from Burke County Animal Control.
Investigators say the owner was warned repeatedly about the dogs, but officers stepped in Tuesday and seized the dogs.
At the scene on Norman Drive, investigators told WBTV several of the dogs had scars typical of dog fighting, and they were kept in a separate area from the owner, but there is no evidence of any organized dog fighting.
Investigators told WBTV the dogs were not being fed or taken care of properly - they were underweight and malnourished.
It is possible some of the dogs may be put down.
For now, several facilities in the area have opened their doors to the dogs, but they are being kept separated for health reasons.
Officers are still investigating and asked WBTV not to release the exact location yet as they look into issues unrelated to the dogs.
(WBTV - Dec 6, 2012)
