UK: Dogs Seized in City Raid

Dangerous dogs seized in city raid

By Matthew Bates 09/02 Updated: 09/02 11:28

Dangerous dogs were seized in a police raid at a Coventry home.

Two dogs, believed to be Pit Bull-type breeds, were taken from an address in Morey Street, Foleshill following a tip-off.

A nine-year-old called Judas was taken along with a 15-week-old bitch, called Haze, on Friday morning (February 7). Officers teamed up with experts for the raid and the dogs' owner was not arrested.

It came as the city council penned a letter to home secretary Theresa May asking for changes to dangerous dog legislation.

Campaigners in the city - including MP Geoffrey Robinson - believe the laws need altering after a girl was attacked by a dog in a private property. Because it happened in the dog owner's home, no police action could be taken.

Balsall-based dog legislation officer Pc Tony Mills told the Observer dangerous dogs were a growing problem in Coventry. In 2009 just four dogs were seized but a year later 35 were taken. Last year saw 25 dangerous dogs seized.

"It's a social problem through irresponsible owners and breeders," he said.

"There's excessive cross-breeding of bull-type dogs which then goes towards the breeding of a Pit Bull-type dog.

"People aren't breeding responsibility and think 'maybe we'll just make a quick £200, £300 here or there'."

He added the dogs seized would be examined before possibly being handed back to the owner - but only after a number of safety procedures were put in place.

"We'll kennel them until I've finished examining both dogs. If they are then deemed to be Pit Bull Terriers we'll discuss that with the owner.

"There's no excessive way we need to deal with the dogs. We believe they were innocently bought as a Stafford or a young puppy.

"None of them are going out and knowingly buying prohibited dogs, so this is one good aspect of new laws where we can actively seek to return sociable dogs back to their owners."

If you believe someone is keeping an illegal dog call Coventry Police on 0345 113 5000.


Pc Tony Mills with 15-week-old bitch Haze. Picture by Jon Mullis


Nine-year-old Judas is taken away by cops. Picture by Jon Mullis

More pictures at news link: http://www.coventryobserver.co.uk/2012/02/12/news-Dangerous-dogs-seized-in-city-raid-29581.html