NATCHEZ — Local humane society officials say some of the pit-bull dogs that were rescued from an alleged dog-fighting incident earlier this month are doing well, while others still need much more care.

The Natchez-Adams County Humane Society is helping the Adams County Sheriff’s Office care for the 15 dogs that were rescued, including a mother dog that has since given birth.

Deputies arrested Charoyd Henrence Bell, 36, at 507 LaSalle St., on May 11 following an anonymous tip dog fighting was going on in the area. Bell was charged with cruelty to animals (dog fighting).

The dogs are now in a safe, but undisclosed, location.

Humane Society Director of Operations Sarah Wees said the dogs have been to see a veterinarian, and the humane society has vaccinated, and also given the dogs flea, tick and worm medicine.

The veterinarian check determined that several of the dogs have heart worms, Wees said.

Wees said five of the dogs have infected wounds that require antibiotics twice a day.

While several of the dogs were at a healthy weight, one is extremely emaciated and others are thin, Wees said.

“She is in the worst shape of the 15,” Wees said. “They are being fed three small meals a day to help them gain weight. You don’t want to take an emaciated dog and throw a bunch of food at them because they will gorge and vomit.”

One of the dogs was close to giving birth, Wees said, and over the weekend 10 puppies were born. Wees said only three have survived so far.

“She is not in great shape herself, so it is not surprising,” Wees said. “So far, the three surviving puppies are doing OK.”

Wees said for anyone who thinks the dogs might belong to them to contact the sheriff’s office at 601-442-2752 and ask for Maj. Jerry Brown.

“People who run dog fighting rings often steal people’s dogs,” Wees said.

Wees said the shelter could use help.

“If anyone can provide any sort of financial donation toward the care of the dogs, that would be greatly appreciated,” she said. “The antibiotics do cost a lot.”

Wees said the shelter could also use donations of other supplies as well, including bedding and puppy and kitty food.

Wees said donations could be dropped off at the humane society, located at 475 Liberty Road. Business hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. seven days a week.

Days after the initial raid, Georgia Ivrione Chatman, 29, was arrested on Monday in connection with the incident. Chatman was charged with cruelty to animals.

Adams County Sheriff Travis Patten said Wednesday Chatman lives at 507 LaSalle St. and reportedly had full knowledge of the inhumane treatment of the dogs. Patten said she did nothing to help the dogs and tried to warn Bell deputies were on the property.

Bell was released Monday on a $10,000 bond. Chatman was released Monday on a $5,000 bond.