Police operation helps to identify pit bull-type dogs sold by convicted breeders

Operation Doorstop Two was set up following the arrest of Stephen and Tracey Tewkesbury in relation to the selling of Pit Bull-type dogs, for which they have since been convicted. The purpose of the operation was to identify dogs sold by the couple and mitigate any risk they presented to the community.

The operation has now concluded and a total of 42 addresses have been visited, which has resulted in 26 dogs have being seized (2 from the Exeter area); this excludes the three seized from Mr and Mrs Tewkesbury. 

All the dogs with the exception of one, which was put to sleep at the request of the owner, have now been returned to the owners and are subject to Contingent Destruction Orders (CDOs).

The average number of days each dog was held in kennels was 31 days, with police getting dogs to court on average in just over three weeks from point of seizure, one dog being returned to the owner within 11 days. The average period of time a dog was kennelled prior to this operation was 70 days.

All the kennels were council licensed and every dog was returned on the same day they were legally able to be returned. Police worked closely with courts to ensure early court dates. In many cases the court dates were in place before the dogs were seized.

The team worked closely with owners to ensure paperwork is completed for the necessary registrations once the CDO is in place.

Inspector Praveen Naidoo said; “During the course of this operation officers worked with local charities including the North Devon Animal Ambulance and the RSPCA and we would like to thank them for their support.

“Six dogs have come to our attention following media articles and we would like to also thank those owners for coming forward.

“We are now looking at how we will monitor those dogs that are subject to CDOs to ensure continued compliance with the order.”

Sergeant Tony Whitting, from the Force dog section said: “The process of returning a dog to its owner can take some time, we work with the Courts to expedite the Court hearing and if a Contingent Destruction Order is granted we endeavour to complete the required veterinary work to comply with the order as soon as possible.

“Any seized dog is kennelled in council licensed kennels where the staff have experience of dealing with these types of dog, they are well looked after and fed correctly. Some dogs do get stressed in kennels and will lose weight. We do everything we can to minimise this and return the dogs registered as quickly as possible which will reduce the stress but every dog copes differently. If a seized dog has a medical condition then a vet sees them and it is treated accordingly.

“A vet sees every dog before it is returned to its owner.

“Unfortunately someone breeding illegal dogs in this area has caused this problem.  People should research and know what type of dog they are purchasing so this doesn’t arise.

“Police have to seize dogs which include Pit Bull Terrier-type dogs which are illegal to possess unless exempted as they are defined by the Dangerous Dogs Act.

“There have been some very high profile and disturbing cases across the country where dogs of this type have killed.

“At this moment in time the police have no discretion following the latest guidelines from CPS but to seize this type of dog once one has been identified.

“It is a criminal offence to own such a dog unless it is exempted although the legislation does allow the facts to be placed before a court in a civil hearing so the court can decide whether the dog can be registered on the index of exempted dogs and returned under strict conditions or has to be euthanized.

“If the court allows the dog to be returned following the issue of a Contingent Destruction Order the owner has two months to comply.  The police cannot progress this any quicker unless the dog owner completes certain administrative requirements. The onus on that is squarely with the dog owner.

“It would be illegal to return the dog until it is registered.”

DI Naidoo added: “This operation has been a resounding success.  Whilst we have chosen not to prosecute owners on this occasion, this will always be a consideration.

"Pitbull type dogs have the potential to cause significant harm and Devon and Cornwall Police will always take every step to ensure our communities remain a safe places to live.”