Adams County Deputies were able to spare three pit bulls from fatal injury Monday after responding to a dog fight in progress.

An anonymous tip from a neighbor led the deputies to 22 Old Courthouse Road at around 11:30 a.m. where they found four people engaging in dog fighting in a yard.

&uot;All the individuals fled leaving three distraught, very mad, upset pit bull dogs,&uot; said Adams County Sheriff Tommy Ferrell.

At the scene deputies confiscated the dogs from inside a fenced area at the residence, Ferrell said.

They also confiscated one car.

Afterwards, three of the suspects Yarnell S. Washington, 18, Garrett Proby, 26, and Jamison Rogers, 19, turned themselves in Friday afternoon. All three listed their address as 22 Old Courthouse Road.

All three are charged with dog fighting, a felony charge, and were being held without bond Monday pending arraignment

Deputies have also issued a warrant for a fourth suspect who goes by the nickname &uot;Pooh,&uot; Ferrell said.

The dogs were injured but the injuries are not believe to be life threatening, he said. The dogs were treated by a local veterinarian.

Because of the cruelty involved, dog fighting was upgraded to a felony offense in recent years.

&uot;It’s pretty inhumane thing to be involved in,&uot; Ferrell said.

It can carry up to a $1,000 fine and up to three years in jail. And just being a spectator can carry up to a $500 fine and up to one year in jail, Ferrell said.

Since the law was changed, dog fighting has become more of underground activity making this an especially unusual incident.

&uot;To be able to drive up on one was pretty interesting,&uot; Ferrell said.