Two dogs suspected of being a banned breed have been seized by police during a series of raids in Ebbw Vale, Wales. Officers from Blaenau Gwent’s neighbourhood policing team conducted warrants across the borough after receiving reports raising concerns about a banned breed allegedly being kept at an address. Gwent Police confirmed that two dogs were seized on Wednesday, October 16, following the warrants. Checks are now underway to determine the breed of the dogs. Sergeant Dan Wise stated that while the animals await assessment by dog legislation officers, they are suspected to be unregistered and of a banned breed.
Wise highlighted the importance of addressing concerns over banned breeds in communities and reassured the public that the police continually evaluate information received to maintain safety on the streets. He encouraged individuals with information regarding dangerous dogs, illegal breeds, or dog-related criminal activities to report them to the authorities via 101, social media, or the police website. In the UK, certain types of dogs are prohibited under the law, including the Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, and Fila Brasileiro, as well as XL Bully dogs in England and Wales.
On December 31, 2023, the XL Bully breed was added to the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, with subsequent stages of the ban implemented in February. It is now a criminal offence to own an XL Bully dog without a Certificate of Exemption, third party insurance, and necessary safety precautions in public places. Failure to comply may result in the dog being seized by the police. The Government provides guidance on owning XL bullies to ensure legal compliance.
The seized dogs are undergoing assessment to confirm their breed. The police urge the public to report any information about illegal breeds or dangerous dogs to maintain community safety. By working together with law enforcement, residents can help ensure a safe environment for all.