Police raid suspected XL Bully farm and arrest man as 13 dogs seized inside house with children
13 July 2024, 23:07
Police have raided a suspected Essex puppy farm in a suburban house where 13 dogs have been seized.
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Of the 13 dogs taken in by Essex Police, eight were young puppies.
The dogs have been taken to kennels to determine their exact breed.
XL Bullies were banned by the previous Government.
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From February, it became a criminal offence to sell, abandon, give away or breed XL Bullies.
The new laws were brought in after the breed was responsible for a spate of attacks.
Essex Police raid the property in Colchester after a tip off from the RSPCA on Friday at 10am.
A 35-year-old man from Mile End was arrested.
Sergeant Rob Temme of Essex Police said: "This warrant was a multi-agency response following intelligence around illegal dog breeding, the possession of unregistered XL Bully dogs and concerns around the conditions at the address.
"We have worked closely with the RSPCA to ensure the welfare of these animals but also protect those living at the address, including children.
"This warrant was a last resort following attempts from Essex Police and the RSPCA to engage with the owner and ensure their safety.
"The dogs have now been safely removed from the property and put into kennels until their breed can be determined."
