Police raid farm over suspected breeding and training of XL Bully dogs

Police today raided a farm in Salford over the suspected breeding and training of banned XL Bully dogs.

Greater Manchester Police said the raid, which also involved the RSPCA, was launched after intelligence was recieved suggesting dogs were being trained to fight there. Two suspected banned breed dogs were seized and a number of others were taken away for medical treatment, the force added.

A man was arrested at the scene and was today being questioned on suspicion of animal cruelty offences.

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The farm is understood to be in the Worsley area. Images released by police after the raid showed six young dogs inside a brick building with what appears to be a cardboard box full of meat.

Police said there was also evidence of 'equipment used to encourage dogs to attack' at the scene. Those items, added the force, were being investigated.

In a statement, police in Salford said: "This morning the Worsley neighbourhood team were assisted by the dog section, Challenger team and the RSPCA to executed a warrant at a local farm suspected of breeding and training XL Bullys.

"The warrant was in response from local intelligence that banned breeds were kept at the location and being trained to fight.

"Officers were assisted by a trained vet who checked each animal for evidence of cruelty, fighting and being an illegal breed. Two suspected illegal dogs were seized and a number of others were taken away for medical treatment.

"One male was arrested at the scene for animal cruelty offences and is currently being questioned by specialist officers in custody."

Inspector Steve Corless said, "Following the change in legislation to XL Bullys, it is important that this breed of dog is monitored closely and we have acted swiftly on concerns from the community. A couple have been seized as being suspected of being a banned breed, and specialist officers will assess if this is the case".

If anyone has any concerns of any dog being an XL Bully and the owners not being responsible, please call 101 on none emergency issues or 999 if deemed an immediate risk to the public.

No further details were revealed.