Thanks to Mel Rushmore and Kathryn Jamieson Sinclair for an excellent outcome!

“We can today (Wednesday, August 3) confirm a dog seized at an address in Lancaster is not a banned breed.

Lancashire Police executed a warrant in Norfolk Street last month.

Officers attended following reports a dog inside the property was a banned breed.

As is Force policy when dealing with a suspected banned breed, the dog was removed in order for it to be assessed. Following an independent assessment it has been established the dog is not banned.

The dog, who has been cared for by expert officers and kennel staff while under assessment, will be returned to its owners later this week.

Sgt Sue Bushell, of Lancashire Police’s Dogs Unit, said: “On July 16, police executed a warrant at an address in Lancaster following concerns a dog inside the property was a banned breed.

“In any incident where officers deal with a potential prohibited dog, safeguarding individuals and protection of the public is our priority.

“It is normal practice for officers to seize dogs in order for a full assessment to be carried out by a qualified Dog Legislation Officer (DLO). During this process, dogs are kennelled in secure facilities where their welfare is paramount. In this case an independent DLO found the dog does not have substantial characteristics of a Pit Bull-type and therefore Section 1 of the Dangerous Dogs Act does not apply. As is always the case in these situations, no cost has been incurred by the dog’s owner and arrangements have been made for its safe return.

“There are many occasions where dogs seized under the Dangerous Dogs Act are returned to their owners either because they are determined not to be banned breeds or they are exempted following the full circumstances of the case being considered by a Magistrates Court.

“When dealing with offences under this Act our main concern is to protect people from injury, or fear of injury by dogs. We would encourage members of the public to report any concerns they have involving dangerous dogs to help us keep our communities safe.”