DETROIT, MI -- Discarded hypodermic needles, condoms, empty liquor containers, three dead dogs and five strays were among the findings made by more than 50 animal rescue workers, volunteers, neighbors and two off-duty Detroit police while scouring River Rouge Park Saturday on what they called a "rescue mission."

And it was just a small section of the 1,200-acre park, said

Nicole Litzelman, a board member for Detroit Animal Welfare Group

She said rather than dispose of dogs properly by taking them to an animal control facility or vet, some residents just drop their dead dogs in the park "like trash," sometimes out in the open along the roads that cross through it.

Based on information her organization received from partners and neighbors, Litzleman on Friday told media there were up to 28 dead dogs found discarded at the Detroit Park.

Litzleman said she later learned the figure was passed along to a supporter by a Department of Public Works employee tasked with collecting the carcasses and was actually a citywide figure.

Detroit Police Sgt. Michael Woody called the figure of 28 "

" but confirmed that several dead dogs were discovered when the park was searched by

Litzleman

Saturday.

Litzleman said of the three dead dogs found Saturday, there was no indication -- two were skeletal -- that they'd been used in dog fighting.

The rescue is working to rehabilitate and place the recovered strays.

The Department of Public Works recovers dead animal carcasses from public land and parks. MLive Detroit called the DPW Monday and was referred to Mayor Mike Duggan's Public Information Office for comment. A request for information is pending.

Litzleman said she's spoken to witnesses who live near or pass the park regularly and say they've seen at least a dozen dead animals removed in the days leading up to Saturday. Some of them had injuries that appeared to be a result of dog fighting, she said.

Volunteers plan to return for another rescue operation at Detroit's River Rouge Park in coming weeks. Details are not complete, but anyone interested in helping may follow Detroit Animal Welfare Group on Facebook for updates.