ST. LOUIS (AP) -- St. Louis police said they were serving a drug-related search warrant when they rescued five pit bulls suspected of being involved in a dogfighting operation.

Authorities made the rescue Wednesday while arresting a 26-year-old drug suspect Demetri Franklin. His name was not immediately released, and he has not been accused in the possible dogfighting.

Searchers of the property also found multiple chains, a treadmill, a training bag and what's believed to be walls for a dogfighting ring.

Franklin told news media that it's a misunderstanding. He said the dogs were only for protection and not dogfighting.

The dogs have been taken to a St. Louis animal-rescue agency.