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Police seize 26 pit bull terriers Police seize 29 pit bull terriers
(about 2 hours later)
Seven people have been arrested and 26 suspected pit bull terriers seized by police on Merseyside. Seven people have been arrested and 29 suspected pit bull terriers seized by police on Merseyside.
The dogs were taken during raids at 16 addresses in the Huyton and Stockbridge Village areas.The dogs were taken during raids at 16 addresses in the Huyton and Stockbridge Village areas.
Police said the animals were seized under the Dangerous Dogs Act and follow concerns about organised dog fighting.Police said the animals were seized under the Dangerous Dogs Act and follow concerns about organised dog fighting.
The news comes after five-year-old Ellie Lawrenson was mauled to death in St Helens by a pit bull terrier-type dog on New Year's Day.The news comes after five-year-old Ellie Lawrenson was mauled to death in St Helens by a pit bull terrier-type dog on New Year's Day.
Merseyside Police said the operation had been planned for about three months, and was not a direct response to Ellie's death.Merseyside Police said the operation had been planned for about three months, and was not a direct response to Ellie's death.
'Status symbol''Status symbol'
About 60 police officers and 30 RSPCA officers were involved in the operation, which was responding to tip-offs from the community.About 60 police officers and 30 RSPCA officers were involved in the operation, which was responding to tip-offs from the community.
Merseyside Police said they were continuing to work with local communities and partner agencies to gather information on dangerous dogs.Merseyside Police said they were continuing to work with local communities and partner agencies to gather information on dangerous dogs.
Supt Dave Connor said: "This is not a problem specific to Merseyside and it is clear that some people keep pit bull terriers as a status symbol.Supt Dave Connor said: "This is not a problem specific to Merseyside and it is clear that some people keep pit bull terriers as a status symbol.
"They may not fully understand the implications of owning this type of dog."They may not fully understand the implications of owning this type of dog.
Owners can be fined up to £5,000 or face a prison sentenceOwners can be fined up to £5,000 or face a prison sentence
"Dog fighting is a barbaric activity and it will not be tolerated. Anyone who trains or breeds animals for that purpose can expect to be dealt with robustly.""Dog fighting is a barbaric activity and it will not be tolerated. Anyone who trains or breeds animals for that purpose can expect to be dealt with robustly."
The RSPCA estimates there may be about 100 people involved in "hardcore" underground dogfighting in Britain.The RSPCA estimates there may be about 100 people involved in "hardcore" underground dogfighting in Britain.
The sport was banned 170 years ago.The sport was banned 170 years ago.
Under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, four types of animal are banned - pit bull terriers, the Japanese Tosa, the Dogo Argentino and the Fila Brazileiro.Under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, four types of animal are banned - pit bull terriers, the Japanese Tosa, the Dogo Argentino and the Fila Brazileiro.
A person convicted of owning a prohibited dog can face a £5,000 fine or six months in prison.A person convicted of owning a prohibited dog can face a £5,000 fine or six months in prison.
Anyone with concerns about dangerous dogs which are being kept in their neighbourhoods are urged to contact Merseyside Police or the council dog wardens.Anyone with concerns about dangerous dogs which are being kept in their neighbourhoods are urged to contact Merseyside Police or the council dog wardens.


Have you ever witnessed an organised dog fight? Do you have footage or photos of an illegal dog fight? Did you or anyone you know breed dogs for fighting? Have you or anyone you know organised a dog fight? Send us your comments using the form below.Have you ever witnessed an organised dog fight? Do you have footage or photos of an illegal dog fight? Did you or anyone you know breed dogs for fighting? Have you or anyone you know organised a dog fight? Send us your comments using the form below.
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