THREE dogs - suspected banned pit bull terriers - have been seized by police in the first swoop of its kind in the borough at a council estate in Macclesfield.

Two adult dogs and a puppy were hauled from a property on The Moss at 12.30pm on Monday afternoon by 11 officers wearing body armour.

Two were armed for the protection of the public in the event of having to shoot the dogs if they escaped and attacked.

As it was the operation, witnessed by the Macclesfield Express, was peaceful and the animals were swiftly controlled.

The raid, under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, also resulted in the arrest of a man, on suspicion of possessing and breeding banned dogs.

He was quizzed and later released on police bail. Police, who have the confiscated animals at secure kennels in Macclesfield and Wilmslow pending an expert inspection, later admitted they expected to find more dogs at the address which has led to fears that other puppies could be in the town.

Their message to owners of suspected banned dogs including pit bull, Japanese tosa, dogo Argentino or fila Brasiliero, is: "Check them out or risk having them seized by us."

This week's drama unfolded as police accompanied by RSPCA inspectors, and officials from landlords Cheshire Peaks and Plains swooped following tip-offs.

Police found an adult male dog tethered in a broom cupboard, and a bitch and a five month-old pup.

Tomorrow (Thursday) an expert will determine if the dogs are illegal and their fate - possibly a destruction order - and their owner's will be clinched by the courts.

PC Deby Spavin, a member of the Moss Estate's Community Action Team, planned and led the operation and served the warrant.

She said: "We believed there would be more animals at the address but we are still pleased with the result. It shows we are responding to people's concerns in the community."

Inspector Gareth Woods, head of Macclesfield's neighbourhood policing, said: "I would urge anyone who may have one of these puppies, or thinks they may have a dangerous dog, to call our voicemail so we can discuss what is best to do next. We would look favourably on anyone who does surrender an animal and it is only an offence to knowingly possess a dangerous dog."

  • IF this applies to you call the Macclesfield CAT voicemail on 0845 4586371 and leave a message with your details.