LIBERTY TWP, Mercer County — Five dead pit bulls were discovered in a blanket near a bridge on Jarvis Road, and state police would like to know who discarded them there.

The discovery of one adult male, two adult females and two younger female dogs was made Tuesday about 500 feet north of Sunset Road.

However, due to weather, investigators believe the dogs could have been there several months.

Trooper Joseph Morris of the Mercer barracks said it is believed the animals were likely already deceased before someone tossed the dogs over the bridge.

However, the cause of death for the dogs is pending necropsy results being performed by the Butler County Animal Response Team.

The team took possession of the dogs Wednesday when it was able to remove them from the water under the bridge, Morris said.

Certain details about the case are being kept under wraps for investigative reasons. However, despite the breed, officials do not believe the case was related to dog fighting because the animals did not have injuries consistent with that activity.

“They were emaciated,” Morris said.

The investigation is continuing and anyone with information is asked to contact police at 724-662-6162. The reference incident number is D03-1618223.