Police raid suspected XL bully farm as 22 dogs seized from 'appalling conditions'

Police have seized 22 dogs from a suspected XL bully farm. It is illegal to breed the dogs following a spate of attacks in the UK which lead to a restriction being put into place last year.

The animals were discovered in 'appalling conditions' at an allotment, police have said. They included mothers and puppies "in their own suffering state."

Six of the dogs were in such bad health that they had to be put to sleep. The remaining 16 are being kept in police kennels, NottinghamshireLive reports.

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Chief Inspector Emma Cheney said: "We do not know how long some of the dogs have been living in these conditions, with female dogs having litters of puppies, while in their own suffering state. Animal cruelty and suffering will not be tolerated within South Yorkshire, and we will continue to work with partners to ensure those responsible are put before the courts.

"Sadly, six dogs had to be put to sleep. The remaining 16 dogs remain in police kennels while our investigation continues. We are stronger working with our communities and urge anyone who witnesses suspicious behaviour or illegal breeding or housing of banned breeds to get in touch, online, via live chat or by calling 101."

Most of the dogs are believed to be of the XL bully breed, however not all of them. The animals were taken from a site in Sheffield.

A suspect has been identified and police inquiries continue. Ownership of American bully XL dogs is restricted under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991. Since December 31 2023, it has been against the law to sell, give away, abandon or breed bully XL dogs.