JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- The recent discovery of seven neglected dogs led to the arrest of a Westside pet owner.

The pit bulls were found in the back yard of a home in the 5300 block of Shen Avenue near Ramona Boulevard.

Animal Care and Control officers said most of the dogs appeared to be very thin.

The animal that appeared in the worst condition was a female pit bull that was so thin each of her ribs and vertebrae were visible and her body was covered with untreated wounds.

Animal control found the female pit bull inside a dark elevated crate without enough ventilation.

Investigators said they believe her wounds were the results of dog fighting.

The other six dogs were also covered with wounds -- some with gashes on their legs and faces.

Some of the dogs were found chained up, and others were inside wire crates. Animal care and police said all the dogs needed much more care than they were receiving.

"The dogs appeared to have been malnourished just totally neglected from the care they needed," said Jacksonville Sheriff's Office spokesman Ken Jefferson.

Police have charged the dog's caretaker, 35-year-old Junon Alexis, with two charges of confining an animal, failing to provide sufficient food and water and failing to provide sufficient exercise and air.

Animal control has removed all the dogs from Alexis's home and brought the animals to a shelter.

Investigators said they hope that with medical care, food, water and a roof over their heads, the rescued dogs will soon be healthy again.

"The bottom line is animals can't care for themselves if you're going to take on a pet to have, you've got to properly take care of them," Jefferson said.

Animal Care and Control records show officers have been to Alexis's home three times and that the pet owner has been given a citation for animal cruelty in the past.