BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (WTNH) — An animal rescue and welfare organization in Bridgeport is raising awareness of kittens being painted and used as bait for dog fighting in Connecticut.

According to the Bridgeport Animal Welfare Crew (BARC) facebook page, kittens in Connecticut are being colored with permanent markers, and are then used as bait for dog fights. The two kittens in the photo on this story were successfully rescued by the group.

The animal advocates say that gamblers bet on the color of which cat will survive the longest. The practice is happening locally more than the public may realize, the group said.

BARC says that the organizers of these dog fights will not pay any money to adopt kittens, and is encouraging the public to advocate to stop free adoptions by individuals as well as groups.

The kittens rescued by the group are now being cared for. BARC says they’re hoping that the kittens haven’t been poisoned by the marker on their skin and fur.