2 pit bulls rescued from dog fight stolen from shelter in Paterson.

PATERSON, N.J. (WABC) -- Two pit bulls rescued from a dog fight have been stolen from an animal shelter in northern New Jersey.

The theft occurred either early Tuesday or late Monday.

Paterson animal control officer John DeCando tells The Record newspaper holes were cut in the shelter's outside fence and the dogs' cages. DeCando said the dogs were targeted.

The dogs were rescued May 1 from a dogfight in a building on 16th Street in Paterson. One man was charged with animal fighting and two others were charged with animal cruelty.

DeCando said the pit bulls are friendly toward people but "deadly toward other dogs."

The dogs are both black/gray male pit bulls between 45 and 50 pounds.

"These dogs are absolutely dangerous and vicious to other animals. There's no such things as bad dogs, but bad people to allow this to happen," said DeCando.

Criminals went to the shelter between 8 Monday night and 6:30 Tuesday morning, cut the fence to get onto the property, and then cut open the pens and stole the two dogs.

Police say the dogfight was inside a building advertised as a carwash. Four people were arrested, and drugs, guns, and the animals were recovered.

Police are sure the dogs were stolen for illegal activity again.

"These people are involved with these dogs, that's why they wanted to get them back. These dogs are valued between $5,000 and $10,000 because they're trained," said Chief Robert Boyle of Animal Control.

During the raid, police also found a dog nearly ripped apart and killed by the two that are now missing.

Now named Jude, he is being cared for and trained.

He's giving and receiving love for the first time in his life by volunteers at a Pathway to Hope rescue.

Detectives have some evidence and witness statements that they hope will lead them to the culprits. They're also hoping someone will see or hear the dogs, and call.

For more information on Jude, here is the link for the organization preparing her for adoption:

http://www.apathwaytohope.org

Before and after photos of Jude: