DOTHAN, Ala. (AP) — Two city officials say an Alabama animal shelter’s outdated equipment allowed two pit bulls to fatally maul 29 cats.

Media outlets from the area reported that the dead cats were found Thursday by workers at the Dothan Animal Shelter.

Bill Banks, director of the shelter, said the dogs forced their way out of a pen. They then pushed hard on a galvanized bar attached to a chain link fence, knocking it out of a clamp which allowed them access to the cats.

Banks said the pit bulls arrived at the shelter Wednesday and a decision hasn’t been made on what to do with them.

Dothan City Commissioner Beth Kenward said the shelter is outdated and that the city should have helped upgrade the facility a long time ago.

Mayor Mark Saliba said a new shelter is overdue.