‘Illegal XL bully puppy farm’ with 13 dogs in home with children raided

Thirteen suspected XL bullies have been seized from a puppy farm in a suburban home in Essex.

The dogs, including eight puppies, were found at a home with children in Mile End, Colchester.

Since February, it has been illegal to sell, give away, abandon or breed an XL bully. Owners must neuter their XL bullies if they’ve been granted exemptions.

Police raided the property on Friday morning, having received a tip-off from the RSCPA over ‘concerns for the welfare’ of the dogs.

Obtaining a warrant under the Dangerous Dogs Act, police seized the dogs to send them to specialist kennels to determine their breed.

A man, 35, has been arrested on suspicion of possession and breeding of a banned breed an animal cruelty offence.

He has since been released under investigation.

Sergeant Rob Temme said the dogs were ‘unregistered’. At least 50,000 XL bullies are thought to be in the UK, with up to 15,000 not registered on the Index of Exempted dogs.

‘We have worked closely with the RSPCA to ensure the welfare of these animals but also protect those living at the address, including children,’ Temme added.

‘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.’

An XL bully, the largest kind of American bully dog that can weigh up to 60kg, has been behind a recent spate of attacks against humans.

Bully Watch, which advocates tough regulation around the breed, says XL bullies killed 15 people in the UK between November 2021 and February.

England, Wales and Scotland have all imposed bans on XL bullies, while Northern Ireland has introduced tougher restrictions. Ireland also intends to ban the dogs by next year.

Experts are undecided whether bans on these big-headed muscular dogs are effective.

The British Veterinary Association says singling out XL bullies won’t stop dog bites from happening – ‘unscrupulous breeders who are putting profit before welfare’ should instead be the focus.

Researchers say that particular breeds of dogs aren’t inherently more aggressive or violent. Environment and upbringing tend to play larger roles.

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