Police seize suspected pit bull dog in Harlesden raid

Officers find animal muzzled and in a distress state in ground-floor flat

Police have seized a suspected pit bull dog after raiding a flat in Harlesden this morning (Thursday).

Officers stormed the address in Oldfield Road following complaints about the four-year-old dog’s behaviour and relentless barking.

In addition, a man working on behalf of a housing association, which owns the property, was bitten by the dog when he visited the address.

The worker is now undergoing counselling following his ordeal.

No-one was in the ground-floor property so officers were forced to break into the flat were the dog was found alongside a Staffordshire terrier.

The seized dog was in a distressed state and wearing a restricted muzzle which stopped him from drinking or eating normally.

Angela Moruzzi from Brent Council’s animal welfare team, who had previously seen the dog in a prior visit to the address, told the Times she was shocked by the deterioration of his appearance.

She added: “The type of muzzle the dog is wearing is not suitable for long periods.

“He has lost a lot of weight.”

PC Lee Tyrrell from Harlesden Safer Neighbourhood Teams said the dog would be taken to a pound where it would undergo tests to determine whether it is of a pit bull breed.

The owner of the dog may face legal action if it is found to be of the pit bull breed.