'Weapon dogs' seized by Met in raids

Twenty dangerous dogs were seized by police today in one of the largest operations of its kind.

Specialist officers gave suspected gang members and owners of illegal dogs early morning wake-up calls during raids on 12 addresses in south London.

The aim of Operation Navara was to target "weapon dogs", which were believed to be used for fighting or to intimidate people.

A total of 20 pit-bull terrier-type dogs, including a litter of puppies, were taken out of properties across Lambeth.

In some cases police had to smash down front doors to get into the homes as the animals barked loudly inside.

Wearing protective gear, padded sleeves and carrying fire extinguishers to deal with any aggression, specialist handlers dragged snarling dogs into cages in the back of cars using special poles that hooked around the animals' necks.

The animals will be examined by the Met Police's Status Dog Unit before a court hearing to decide their fate.

Two adult pit bulls were seized along with six four-week-old puppies from a three-storey house in Renfrew Road, Kennington.

While the majority of raids were based on intelligence about dangerous dogs being used by gang members, in this case Lambeth Police said that they were responding to complaints from neighbours about the animals.

The Met's six officer-strong Status Dog Unit, which was set up in March, was joined by other highly trained officers on the operation.

There was tension in the air as the police banged on the door and shouted to be let in.

According to the officers leading the raids, the female owner had been warned previously and had threatened the police.

But there was no sign of the woman today and police broke down the front door to seize the family of pit bulls.

Police warned of their potential to be aggressive towards other animals and humans as they grow, particularly if not cared for properly.

Often wearing studded collars and buckles, pit bull terriers, which are banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act, can be trained to attack.

In another raid, a two-year-old female red and white pit bull terrier and a five-month-old brindle were removed from a house in Shakespeare Road.

Sergeant Ian McPartland, who heads up the Status Dog Unit, said: "Our concerns are over the way they will be used by the gang member who is associated with the address."

He said a dog could be used in almost any crime as a weapon of intimidation or to send out a message about who is the toughest.

A dog lover himself, Sergeant McPartland said 90% of the problem was at the "owners end of the leash".

"If you have got a pit bull at the end of the leash the potential for it going seriously wrong does rise," he said.

Asked if he found the seizures depressing, given that around half of the dogs removed will be put down, he replied it was "terrible" adding: "I spent 25 years as a dog handler and now I'm out there taking dogs off people who really don't know how to treat them. They don't understand they are man's best friend. Their behaviour with dogs is absolutely atrocious. We won't stand for it".