Police have confiscated 22 dogs from a suspected XL Bully farm in Sheffield following a raid where conditions were deemed so appalling that six of the animals had to be euthanised.
The raid, which took place on an allotment on Thursday, uncovered a distressing scene where dogs, including mothers and puppies, were being kept in what officers described as “appalling conditions.
Chief Inspector Emma Cheney of South Yorkshire Police expressed concern over the welfare of the animals, stating, “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.
XL Bully dogs were banned across England and Wales on December 31, 2023, following a series of vicious attacks. The breed is restricted under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, making it illegal to sell, give away, abandon, or breed XL Bully dogs.
Cheney emphasized that animal cruelty and suffering would not be tolerated in South Yorkshire, and urged the public to report any suspicious behaviour or illegal breeding of banned breeds to the authorities.
She added, “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… If you suspect someone of animal neglect or cruelty, please report to the RSPCA.
While a suspect has been identified, police inquiries are ongoing, and the remaining 16 dogs rescued from the farm are currently in police kennels pending further investigation.
The seizure of these dogs underscores the importance of upholding animal welfare laws and taking decisive action against illegal breeding operations.
