A 45-year-old man in Palm Bay, Fla., was charged with nine counts of felony cruelty to animals after police found several emaciated dogs at his home, some of which were apparently used for fighting, according to a police report.

Officers made the discovery of the dogs at the home of Eddie Hardison located at 1230 Sexton Rd. in Palm Bay while responding to an unrelated complaint of a stray animal in the area.

An officer said he noticed a pit bull chained with no food or water at the home and investigated. A total of nine dogs were found at Hardison's home later, including five puppies.

The adult dogs all appeared to be malnourished with cuts and injuries that suggested the dogs were used for fighting, a police report.

Hardison was arrested and the dogs were taken by animal control.

“This man has a history of charges involving animal neglect,” said Officer Jeff Hunter. “The investigation into this matter will continue.”

Watch Local 6 News for more on this story.