POLICE have arrested a man on suspicion of animal cruelty offences after they seized 13 dogs from an address in Colchester.

Officers made the arrest in Mile End on Friday after Essex Police received intelligence from the RSPCA about the illegal breeding of XL bully dogs.

Eight of the dogs were young puppies and were seized so their breed can be formally identified.

The suspect, 35, was arrested on suspicion of possession and breeding of a banned breed and animal cruelty offences. 

He was later released under investigation.

Essex Police’s sergeant Rob Temme said the search warrant – which was carried out at 10am on Friday under Section 5 of the Dangerous Act – was a last resort.

He said: “This warrant was a multi-agency response following intelligence around illegal dog breeding, the possession of unregistered XL Bully dogs and concerns around the conditions at the address. 

“We have worked closely with the RSPCA to ensure the welfare of these animals but also protect those living at the address, including children. 

“This warrant was a last resort following attempts from Essex Police and the RSPCA to engage with the owner and ensure their safety.  

“The dogs have now been safely removed from the property and put into kennels until their breed can be determined.”