'XL Bully' farm raided by police as 22 dogs rescued from filthy facility

04 May 2024 , 16:31

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The dogs were thought to be banned XL Bullys (Image: Getty Images)

Police in Sheffield have seized 22 dogs thought to be XL Bullys from a filthy breeding facility based in an allotment.

The dangerous dogs, including a number of puppies, were found in the squalid conditions when officers from the South East Sheffield Neighbourhood Police Team and the city council conducted a site visit on Thursday, May 2 at a plot in Darnall, Sheffield. The RSPCA and Dog Legislation Officers were called to assist the removal of the 22 dogs, the majority of which are thought to be banned XL Bullys.

The animals were found living in small, inadequate, unhygienic conditions, with several requiring immediate veterinary attention. Tragically, six of the seized dogs had to be put to sleep immediately due to their suffering.

Chief Inspector Emma Cheney, who leads the work on dangerous dogs in South Yorkshire, said: "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. Following the XL Bully ban put in place earlier this year, it is now against the law to breed the dogs.

"Separate to the investigation around these dogs being XL Bullys, animal cruelty and suffering will not be tolerated within South Yorkshire, and we will continue to work with partners to ensure those responsible are put before the courts. Sadly, six dogs had to be put to sleep. The remaining 16 dogs remain in police kennels while our investigation continues."

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"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, online, via live chat or by calling 101. If you suspect someone of animal neglect or cruelty, please report to the RSPCA."

A suspect has been identified and inquiries remain ongoing; anyone with information is asked to get in touch, quoting incident number 315 of 2 May 2024, reports Yorkshire Live.

Ryan Fahey