Police seize 22 banned XL Bully dogs in raid on filthy Sheffield allotments

Police in Sheffield have seized 22 dogs - thought to be banned XL Bullys - from a breeding facility at filthy allotments.

The South East Sheffield Neighbourhood Policing Team, along with colleagues from Sheffield City Council's Animal Health, discovered the dogs, including puppies, living in squalid conditions during a site visit on Thursday (2 May) at allotments on Infield Lane. Dog Legislation Officers and the RSPCA were quickly called to support their colleagues, resulting in 22 dogs being removed from the property.

Most of the dogs are believed to be banned XL Bullys, 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.

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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."

"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 enquiries remain ongoing; anyone with information is asked to get in touch, quoting incident number 315 of 2 May 2024.

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