Police have seized four dogs from an address in Herefordshire.
From West Mercia Police:
“Leominster safer neighbourhood team carried out a warrant this week at a property in Leominster which was believed to have unregistered XL Bully type dogs living at the address.
“SNT attended the address alongside dog handlers. a dog legislation officer to investigate the matter, which then resulted in four dogs being seized.
“These dogs will remain with police until the investigation is concluded.
“To clarify, it’s a criminal offence to own or possess an XL Bully dog in England and Wales unless you have a valid Certificate of Exemption.”
You must abide by the certificate of exemption for the life of the dog, you must:
Keep the dog at the same address as the certificate holder (you can keep the dog at a different address for a maximum of 30 days in a 12-month period)
Tell the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) if you permanently change address (you do not need to do this if the dog is temporarily kept at a different address, which is allowed for a maximum of 30 days in a 12-month period)
Tell Defra if the dog dies or is exported.
Have third party public liability insurance for your dog and provide proof of this within 5 days if asked by Defra.
Keep the dog muzzled in public places – Defra recommends using a muzzle that does not inhibit the dog from panting, breathing or drinking.
Keep the dog on a lead in public places – the lead must be securely held by someone at least 16 years old.
Keep the dog in secure conditions that will stop it from escaping.
If you have concerns about XL Bully dogs, please contact us at leominster.snt@westmercia.police.uk
On behalf of Leominster Safer Neighbourhood Team.
