TWENTY-SIX dogs bred for fighting have been rescued from a one-bedroom house in Northolt.

Pit bull and Staffordshire bull terriers were among the breeds taken from the house in Whitton Avenue West, Northolt on Tuesday, August 15, following a raid by officers from the Metropolitan Police.

Puppies as young as two weeks old were found crammed in various rooms of the house and the back garden.

Some of the animals were covered in scars from previous dogfights.

Residents had raised concerns about the house with Ealing Homes, which owns the property.

The dogs have now been taken into police possession.

Officers also seized a homemade treadmill from the premises, which police believe was used to exercise the dogs.

Ealing Homes' antisocial behaviour team manager Abdi Osman said: "Breeding dogs for fighting is horrific and we will be making sure these tenants are evicted as soon as possible. We will not allow our properties to be used in this way."

Owners of pit bull terriers and other dangerous dogs must have a certificate to allow them to keep the animals. They must also have the dogs neutered and microchipped.

  • A 21-year-old man from Wembley, a 26-year-old man from Northolt and a 33-year-old woman, also from Northolt, were arrested at the house for offences under the Dangerous Dog Act 1991 and the Protection of Animals Act 1911. They have been bailed until October 20 pending further enquiries.