Police seize 13 ‘banned breed’ dogs amid danger concerns
POLICE have seized 13 dogs in the Caerphilly area so far this year on suspicion of being banned breeds, local councillors in the Penyrheol ward have been told.
For the last few weeks, officers at Gwent Police have seized suspected pitbull-type animals from various residences in Caerphilly.
It comes after 10-year-old schoolboy Jack Lis, from the area, died after sustaining “catastrophic and unsurvivable” injuries after a dog attack in November 2021.
Just over a year later, 83-yearold Shirley Patrick, who was also from the area, suffered significant injuries during an incident and died in hospital in December 2022.
Gwent Police have confirmed that they have spent several weeks carrying out warrants to seize dogs in Caerphilly.
They are now urging residents to report any dog they fear is a dangerous breed.
In an email sent to ward councillors last Friday, Inspector Rhys Caddick, whose area covers Caerphilly South and Bedwas, wrote: “Due to information received yesterday evening the team progressed an emergency warrant application today with magistrates that was approved.
“We executed the warrant this evening at a property in Penyrheol. Two dogs have been seized from the address on suspicion of being a banned breed, thought to be of pit bull type.
“As with other recent seizures the dogs are being cared for pending examination. This is the 13th dog seized from Caerphilly South this year.
“We are working towards identifying a bloodline of note and I expect further police activity in the near future.”
The inspector also explained that last month an adult dog and six puppies were seized at a property in Hendredenny as there were concerns they were pitbulls.
On January 14, the Inspector also said that the police had issued their first Community Protection Warning (CPW) against a dog owner who was allowing an American Bully-type dog to roam the street outside their address in Hendredenny. Both were unrestrained and not accompanied by the owner.
In response Councillor Lindsay Whittle, a Penyrheol ward member, has welcomed the enforcement action, adding: “I would like to thank Gwent Police and local police officers for their high-profile action against the owners of potentially dangerous dogs.
“I would urge any resident to report any dog they fear is a dangerous breed. Families in our community have been left devastated by dog attacks so action to reduce the chances of similar incidents is welcomed.”