'Weapon dogs' are seized by police

• Press Association, Thursday July 9 2009

Twenty dangerous dogs have been seized by police 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.

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

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.

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.

Copyright (c) Press Association Ltd. 2009, All Rights Reserved.

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