Police seize 13 dogs and arrest man as they raid 'illegal XL bully puppy farm' in residential house where children were living

Police raided an Essex puppy farm in a suburban house where they seized 13 suspected XL-Bully dogs. 

Of the 13 dogs, eight were young puppies. The dogs have been taken away to specialist kennels ahead of tests to determine their exact breed. 

Since February, it has been an offence to sell, abandon, give away, or breed an XL Bully under new legislation. 

Owners were also ordered to have their pets neutered to prevent them breeding. 

Essex Police, following a tip off from the RSPCA, raided the property in Colchester at 10am on Friday. 

A 35-year-old man was arrested at the property in Mile End on suspicion of possession and breeding of a banned breed as well as animal cruelty offences. 

The man has been released under investigation while vets establish where the dogs breach the terms of the new legislation. 

Following the raid, Sergeant Rob Temme of Essex Police 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.'