Two Bainbridge men have been arrested for cruelty to animals and other charges, after Bainbridge Public Safety followed up on last week’s discovery of 35 dogs that were in bad shape.

The two men arrested on Wednesday were Dennis Johnson, 46, of 702 E. Columbia St., and Corey Sanders, 35, of 605 Love St.

Both men were charged with not having city-issued dog tags, illegally tethering dogs, not vaccinating animals for rabies and cruelty to animals.

In addition, Sanders faces charges for improper animal care in violation of city ordinance, operating a kennel and not having a kennel license.

Thirty-five dogs were discovered at the two men’s homes on Saturday, Jan. 19.

More pit bull dogs were located at Sanders’ residence, 605 Love Street, which backs up to Johnson’s residence.

BPS Director Eric Miller said both men were interviewed at length about the dogs and admitted to owning the dogs.

BPS officers carefully documented how the dogs were found in the two yards and what condition they were in. They then met with City Attorney Tom Conger and District Attorney Joe Mullholland to charge the two men.

Mullholland has scheduled a hearing next week to determine the fate of the dogs, which were confiscated and taken to the Bainbridge Animal Shelter. They have been examined by a veterinarian.

“While we don’t believe we can actually prove that the two men were engaged in dogfighting, we did find equipment used to train dogs to fight on their property,” Miller said. “The animals had significant injuries, including bite and tear marks, that could only have come from fighting other dogs.”