A man accused of running a dog-fighting ring in Pierce County was in court Thursday, to ask that the 49 pit bulls the county seized from him last month be returned.

Pierce County District Court Judge Jeanette Lineberry set over the hearing to address Elmer James Givens Jr.’s request for a week. She said that would give the court time to review filings in the case.

Givens, 40, was arrested Dec. 18 on suspicion of animal cruelty and animal fighting. He was later released.

The investigation is ongoing, according to the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department. He has not yet been charged.

Givens filed a petition Dec. 26 to have “multiple pit bull terriers” returned, according to court records.

He reiterated to reporters Thursday that he has not been charged, and he told the court: “I honestly don’t know why they’re here.”

According to the Sheriff’s Department:

Animal control officers got a tip about the dogs’ welfare at the property in the 9000 block of Portland Avenue East.

The owner showed them six dogs when the officers asked. The animals were allegedly afraid of him, malnourished, injured and had scars.

Dozens were in a garage, locked in crates with their own waste.

Investigators also found materials related to dog fighting and breeding.

Some dogs went to a veterinarian for treatment, and others went to the Tacoma-Pierce County Humane Society.

“We have over 140 dogs in our kennels, 37 of which are from the suspected dog-fighting ring, others might be on stray hold or receiving ongoing medical care,” the Human Society said on Facebook Thursday. “... Many have reached out to us, asking how they can help or wanting to adopt one of the suspected victims from the dog-fighting case. While they continue to be in our care for the duration of the ongoing investigation, we do have many other available and amazing dogs, including pit bulls who need you to be their hero!”

Dog adoption fees are $25 off this month, the organization said.

“Please stop by and save a life so we can continue to take in and care for even more pets in critical need,” the Facebook post said.