Steroids and "very large" dogs found at Tampa house

By: Janie Porter

Tampa, Florida – An investigation is underway after anabolic steroids were found at a residence that also housed nine “very large” pit bull terriers.

The dogs range from a 56-pound puppy to full-grown 90-pound adults.

“These dogs are commonly referred to, among the breed aficionados, as 'blockheads.' They are bred to be very very large,” said Marti Ryan of Hillsborough County Animal Services. “We find them much larger than most pit bull terriers that we find in our shelter.”

The investigation began Tuesday, when someone on River Shore Drive called 911 to report a dog fight in a neighbor’s backyard.

Animal control officers say two pregnant pit bulls got into a fight. One died en route to animal services. The other is recovering from her injuries.

Armed with a search warrant, officers returned Wednesday and found marijuana plants and anabolic steroids.

Authorities also seized seven more dogs. Despite infections, the dogs are expected to be fine.

The owner, 45-year-old Raymond Doerfler, was arrested on 11 charges including steroid possession, marijuana possession and manufacture with intent to sell and two felony counts of cruelty to animals.

Authorities say Doerfler owns an unlicensed kennel business called Double D Kennels. The website boasts dogs “bred for heavy substance, bone, mass and extra large head size.”

It also says the company is “dedicated to creating the largest, most big-boned blockheads around.”

Doerfler was released on bond Thursday afternoon.