Two due in court over seized dogs

The puppy was seized in a raid on an address in Heckmondwike

Two men arrested after dangerous dogs were seized in raids at properties in West Yorkshire are to appear in court.

Officers and RSPCA inspectors executed two search warrants under the Dangerous Dogs Act at addresses in Liversedge and Heckmondwike following a tip-off.

The four dogs seized in the Saturday raids are believed to be pit bull terriers, police said.

A spokesman said the men, aged 27 and 37, would appear in court for offences under the act at a date to be fixed.

It is an offence to own or keep pit bull terriers unless the animal is on an exempt list and kept in compliance with certain legal requirements.

Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino and Fila Brasileiro are also banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act.

It is also an offence to breed from, sell or exchange any of these types of dogs, irrespective of whether the animals have been placed on the exempt list.

Ch Supt Barry South said: "While the majority of dogs are kept as genuine pets we accept that there are some dogs out there that cause concern to the community and these dogs are sometimes being bred or kept illegally.

"We would stress that it is only a minority of dogs involved but if people do have concerns they should contact their local neighbourhood policing team."