INDEPENDENCE ? Nearly two dozen dogs whose owners were arrested in a southeast Kansas drug raid are ready for adoption.

Montgomery County authorities say many of the 22 pit bulls were in poor shape when they were found at two houses in Independence earlier this fall. Sheriff Robert Dierks says that some had been used for fighting and were going without food or water.

KOAM-TV reports the dogs were sent to animal hospitals for rehabilitation, and they include six puppies that were never trained to fight other dogs.

Scott Barnhart of the Montgomery County Animal Authority says none of the dogs showed any aggression toward people. He describes most of them as gentle and obedient.

Montgomery says he hopes people will come forward and give the dogs a second chance.