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Four dogs suspected to be a banned breed were seized at a property in Bedwas by Gwent Police on Tuesday April 9.

The joint operation with Caerphilly County Borough Council’s trading standards officers came after the force received reports that a banned breed was being kept at an address in Bedwas.

A new initiative was launched last year in a bid to end dangerous dog attacks, after the deaths of ten-year-old Jack Lis and 83-year-old Shirley Patrick.

The LEAD initiative provides advice to the public on dog-related issues, as well as improving dog safety and welfare. It also deals with antisocial and ‘inconsiderate’ behaviour by those with dogs.

Inspector Rebecca Williams, from Gwent Police, said: “While the animals are due to undergo assessment by dog legislation officers, I’d like to thank our communities for their ongoing support. 

“We understand that banned dogs are a concern, and I hope this action demonstrates we are working tirelessly to ensure our streets are safe.

“If you believe you may have information about a potential banned or dangerous dog where you live, please speak to us.”

In the UK, it’s against the law to own certain types of dog. They are:

• Pit Bull Terrier
• Japanese Tosa
• Dogo Argentino
• Fila Brasileiro
• XL Bully dogs 

It’s against the law to:

• Sell a banned dog
• Abandon a banned dog
• Give away a banned dog
• Breed from a banned dog.

On December 31. 2023, the first stage of the XL Bully ban came into effect after the breed was added to the Dangerous Dogs Act.

The second stage of the XL bully ban came in to effect in February.

It is now a criminal offence to own an XL Bully dog in England and Wales unless your dog has a Certificate of Exemption, third party insurance, with the dog muzzled and on a lead in a public place.

If not, police may have the power to seize it.