Arrest made by police after banned dog found at Chester house

Dec 7 2009 Chester Chronicle

A MAN has been arrested and a dog handed over to police following two warrants in Chester.

The first warrant was carried out in Dorchester Road at around 10am on Friday, December 4.

Police, acting on information from the community, carried out the warrants and found a dog which is banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act.

The dog was handed over to specialist police dog handlers by the owner and has been removed to a safe location where it will be humanely destroyed.

A man at the address was also reported for a summons to court for possession of cannabis.

At the second warrant, in Hoole Lane, a teenager was arrested on suspicion of possession of cannabis with intent to supply.

Detective Sergeant Steve Birkett said: “We received information from the community about a possible illegal dog and drugs in the community and we acted on that information.

“The dog was identified as a pit bull by one of our dog handlers trained in dealing with these types of dogs.

“Unfortunately while it was being removed from the house, the dog did become aggressive. No-one was hurt as the handler had it on a specialist lead.

“We have taken this action in the interests of public safety and as a matter of reassurance for people living in this area.

“The breeds specified by the Dangerous Dogs Act were listed because they can be unpredictable and have exceptional strength.

“We would appeal to people to behave responsibly and not acquire dogs which are on the list. If you have a Pit Bull or any of the other banned breeds please consider having it destroyed or contact us.”

The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 bans the ownership, breeding, sale and exchange of certain types of fighting dogs.

The four types of dog that are banned in the UK are Pit Bull Terrier type, Dogo Argentino, Japanese Tosa and Fila Braziliero. This applies to both pure breeds and cross breeds.