CLEVELAND, Texas -- Hundreds of pit bulls were rescued from an illegal dog-fighting breeding ring after a man was shot to death, officials told Houston television station KPRC.

The Houston Humane Society said 300 pit bulls were discovered on a 23-acre property in Liberty County.

Last week, the owner, identified as 25-year-old Thomas Wagner, was shot and killed in a home invasion at about 4 a.m., according to deputies.

The Humane Society went to the property to collect the animals.

Officials said transporting the dogs was a big undertaking because they had to be kenneled in separate crates so that they would not attack each other.

The conditions of the animals have not yet been released.