Three pit bulls, which were to be used as evidence in a dogfighting case, have been stolen from Paterson Animal Control.

Two male dogs and one female were taken right out of their cages. Police say the dogs were in their cages Sunday night, but when they arrived Monday morning, the dogs were gone. Chief Animal Control Officer John DeCando was keeping the dogs as evidence, and all he has now are pictures of the animals.

DeCando says that his main concern is the dogs. He says that while the animals were in the care of Paterson Animal Control, he knew they were safe.

That wasn?t the case before the dogs were rescued. According to Paterson police, the animals were found in a house on Manchester Avenue during a drug bust. Police say they found blood-stained treadmills, which were used to train the dogs for fighting.

There is a $3,500 reward leading to the safe return of the dogs and to an arrest and conviction in the case. Anyone with information is asked to call Paterson Animal Control at (973) 881-3640.There are no suspects so far.