Police are searching Friday for a Tinton Falls man accused of animal cruelty.

Animal officers say they found eight pit bulls, three of them puppies, in the yard of Keith Maxie on Squankum Road. According to the animal officers, they were called to the home Sunday after neighbors complained the animals were in distress.

Authorities say the dogs were found in the freezing temperatures enclosed in a bloody pen. They also say the animals were extremely thin and infested with ringworms and roundworms.

Animal officers say when they approached 25-year-old Maxie at his home, he fled from them. According to police, there is already a warrant out for Maxie?s arrest on other charges.

If convicted on the eight counts of animal cruelty, Maxie could face up to six months in jail and up to $1,000 in fines for each count.

Anyone with information on Maxie?s whereabouts should contact the Tinton Falls Police Department.