A DOG and two puppies were seized from a house in Blackburn when police executed a dangerous dogs warrant.

Officers attended the address in Railton Avenue after Twin Valley Homes had been informed there was a suspected American pit bull, which had given birth to a litter of eight puppies.

Two of the puppies, a bitch and a dog and their mother Roxy, were taken to a local kennels where they will be tested to confirm if they are a banned breed.

American pit bulls are one of four breeds of dog that are on a list on banned dogs in the UK.

Sgt Conrad Tapp, from Blackburn's South West Neighbourhood Policing team, said it was understood the other six puppies from the litter, which are thought to have been crossbread with an American bull dog, had been sold on.

He said: “Initial indications are that the female dog is an American pit bull which is a banned breed.

“It is classed as a fighting dog so it was imperative for us to recover the dog.

“We are led to believe that six of the litter have been sold within the local community.

“The dogs we seized need to be examined to confirm they are pit bulls and inquiries are ongoing.”

Sgt Tapp appealed for anybody who might have been sold one of the puppies or had any information about where they were to come forward. He said: “I am quite keen to retrieve the puppies that have been sold and would ask for the co-operation of members of the public, who should bear in mind that these pups have been bred for a suspected banned dog.

“I would urge any member of the public who thinks they might have bought one of the animals to go and get them examined.

“If not, they could be leaving themselves, their loved ones and immediate family at risk because we do not know what temperament the puppies will have.”

Call police on 101 with any information.

Pit bull profile

  • American pit bulls are medium-sized, solidly built, short-haired dogs.
  • It is thought their early ancestors came from England and Ireland and the breed was first used to bait bulls and bears.
  • Twelve countries in Europe, as well as Australia, Canada, Ecuador, Malaysia, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, Singapore and Venezuela have some kind of legislation on these kinds of dogs.
  • According to the United Kennel Club, ‘this breed is eager to please and brimming over with enthusiasm’.
  • Their average life expectancy is between 12 to 14 years.