Two dogs suspected of being a banned breed were seized by police during a series of raids in Ebbw Vale. The neighbourhood policing team from Blaenau Gwent carried out warrants across the borough following reports of concerns over banned and dangerous breeds. Gwent Police confirmed that officers seized two dogs from an address in Ebbw Vale on Wednesday, October 16, in response to reports alleging the presence of a banned breed at the location. The police will now conduct tests to determine the breed of the dogs.
Sergeant Dan Wise stated, “While the animals are due for assessment by dog legislation officers, we suspect they are unregistered and of a banned breed. Banned breeds are a significant concern in our communities, and we continuously evaluate information received from the public to ensure the safety of our streets. If you have any information about dangerous dogs or illegal breeds in your area, please contact us.”
It is illegal to own certain types of dogs in the UK. Banned breeds include the Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, and Fila Brasileiro. XL Bully dogs are also banned in England and Wales, which prohibits selling, abandoning, giving away, or breeding them. The XL Bully ban was phased in starting from December 31, 2023, under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.
To own an XL Bully dog legally, owners must have a Certificate of Exemption, third-party insurance, muzzle the dog, and keep it on a lead in public places. Failure to comply may result in the police seizing the dog. Further information on owning XL bully dogs is available from the Government’s guidelines.
Police urge anyone with information on illegal dog breeds, dangerous dogs, or dog-related criminal activities to contact them via phone, social media, or the police website. Stay informed about the regulations surrounding banned breeds and help ensure the safety of communities and pets across the UK.