Authorities say the father of a North Bellport boy shot in the face Monday could face charges if illegal dog breeding or dogfighting was going on in the home.

According to police, 17 pit bulls were removed from the Langhorne household after 11-year-old Jeffrey was shot in the face. Police say the boy?s father was arguing outside the home with three or four men when the shots were fired. They say those shots were intended for the father.

Police are still looking for the shooter and are investigating whether or not the boy's father was engaged in illegal activity regarding the dogs. Town of Brookhaven Animal Shelter Director Charlie McGuinley says all the signs of dogfighting are there.

Ten adult dogs and seven puppies are being treated at the shelter. McGuinley says many of them have open wounds, ripped ears, sections of ears torn off and swollen faces.

One neighbor, Nelson Thomas, says it is unlikely dogfighting was taking place.

?If they were dogfighting, I don't know where they were doing it, because they weren't doing it around here,? Thomas says.

Click for more on dogfighting on Long Island