Thirteen dogs seized in Darwen police raids
2:30pm Friday 1st June 2012 in News
THIRTEEN dogs believed to be dangerous breeds have been seized and three men arrested after police raids.
The animals were taken from homes in Darwen, 10 of them from the same address, nine of which were puppies.
The first of the seizures came after four-year-old Ellie Lang was savaged by a dog while being babysat in Scholes Street.
Using information from the incident on Wednesday, two further dogs suspected of being dangerous were taken from houses in Wood Street and Redearth Road.
Three men, aged 21, 23 and 47 were arrested on suspicion of possessing dangerous dogs. They have been released pending further inquiries.
Also on Wednesday, 10 dogs, including nine puppies, were seized from an address in Bolton Road.
These have been taken to kennels for specialist examination to determine whether they are banned.
Police said the raid was connected with the dog biting incident.
Yesterday, Ellie was still receiving treatment at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital for serious injuries to her arm and shoulder.
DI Claire Holbrook, head of the Lancashire police’s Eastern Division Public Protection Unit, said: “This tragedy has resulted in a young child receiving extremely serious injuries which thankfully are not life threatening.
“The dog in question and several other dogs associated with those responsible have subsequently been confiscated.
“The police are treating this incident quite rightly as extremely serious.
“If the animal in question or any other animal seized are proved to be a dangerous dog breed, under the Dangerous Dogs Act, then we will make every effort to prosecute those responsible for keeping such animals.”
PC Mark Edwards said: “All of the animals seized will now be examined by a specialist to establish whether they are a dangerous breed.
“The consequences of having dangerous dogs on our streets can be horrific and that is why we act promptly when we receive information from the public. We will always look to prosecute anyone committing offences under the Dangerous Dogs Act.”
The Dangerous Dogs Act was introduced in 1991 and made it illegal to own a number of dangerous dog breeds in the United Kingdom, in particular pit bull terrier, Japanese tosa, Argentine mastiff and the fila Brasileiro.
Anyone who is concerned that a dangerous dog is being housed or trained to fight in their community should contact the police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
