XL Bully dog farm raided as police seize 13 pets

The warrant was executed at an address in Mile End, Colchester, on Saturday.

More than a dozen dogs were seized during the 10am raid, including eight puppies.

The suspected XL Bully dogs have been undergoing tests to determine their breed.

Police arrested a man following the search of the puppy farm.

A 35-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possession and breeding of a banned breed.

Essex Police confirmed the man has been released under investigation.

Sergeant Rob Temme 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.”

XL Bullies were banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act following a spate of incidents.

It is now an offence to sell an XL Bully dog, abandon an XL Bully dog or let it stray, give away an XL Bully dog, breed or breed from an XL Bully dog, and have an XL Bully in public without a lead and muzzle.

It is also against the law to keep an XL Bully dog without a Certificate of Exemption.

Owners must permanently neuter an XL Bully dog to apply for a Certificate of Exemption.

Scotland later introduced a similar ban to the one enforced in England and Wales.