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| Version 3 | Version 4 |
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| Nine held in dangerous dog raids | Nine held in dangerous dog raids |
| (about 3 hours later) | |
| Nine people have been arrested and four dogs have been seized in a series of raids in Lancashire as part of an investigation into dog fighting. | Nine people have been arrested and four dogs have been seized in a series of raids in Lancashire as part of an investigation into dog fighting. |
| More than 40 police officers visited seven addresses in Accrington. | More than 40 police officers visited seven addresses in Accrington. |
| A large industrial freezer with blood stains inside it was found at one of the properties, which police suspect may have been used as a fighting venue. | |
| The seized dogs are now being held at RSPCA kennels and will be examined by vets for scars and other injuries. | |
| Lancashire Police have urged anyone who suspects that dogs may be being bred to fight to contact them. | |
| The properties raided on Thursday just after 0730 BST were on Willows Lane, Blackburn Road, Crossland Street, Richmond Road, Steiner Street and two addresses on Monk Street. | The properties raided on Thursday just after 0730 BST were on Willows Lane, Blackburn Road, Crossland Street, Richmond Road, Steiner Street and two addresses on Monk Street. |
| Dog fighting is an abhorrent, cruel activity RSPCA | Dog fighting is an abhorrent, cruel activity RSPCA |
| Officers launched the operation in response to information from the public about possible dog fighting in the area. | |
| Det Insp Pete Simm said: "The operation demonstrates the commitment of Lancashire Constabulary, working closely alongside the RSPCA, to take firm action against anyone believed to be housing Dangerous Dogs or breeding them to fight." | Det Insp Pete Simm said: "The operation demonstrates the commitment of Lancashire Constabulary, working closely alongside the RSPCA, to take firm action against anyone believed to be housing Dangerous Dogs or breeding them to fight." |
| The raids were the latest in a number of operations launched across the UK, particularly in Merseyside, since five-year-old Ellie Lawrenson was mauled to death in St Helens on New Year's Day. | |
| "These are very, very serious offences that we are dealing with," Mr Simm said. | |
| "Having said that, in light of what happened in Merseyside with the tragic consequences with the little girl there [Ellie] I think the public are a lot more aware now." | |
| 'Barbaric' sport | |
| Four kinds of dog - pit bull terriers, Japanese Tosas, the Dogo Argentinos, and the Fila Brasileiros - are banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991. | |
| Cross-breeds of those dogs are covered by the law. RSPCA vets will also determine if any of the seized dogs are banned breeds. | |
| Ch Insp Mike Butcher, from the RSPCA Special Operations Unit, said: "Dog fighting is an abhorrent, cruel activity that was banned in this country more than 150 years ago, but still continues today. | Ch Insp Mike Butcher, from the RSPCA Special Operations Unit, said: "Dog fighting is an abhorrent, cruel activity that was banned in this country more than 150 years ago, but still continues today. |
| "It is an extremely barbaric sport... The dogs do literally kill one another and they rip one another apart - it couldn't be more barbaric. | |
| "We are extremely pleased with the operation today and would like to thank the Lancashire Constabulary for their help and co-operation throughout." | "We are extremely pleased with the operation today and would like to thank the Lancashire Constabulary for their help and co-operation throughout." |