A warrant was executed a property in Heston on Thursday 21st January 2021 by Animal Protection Services, Hounslow Council’s Animal Control Team, and the Metropolitan Police.
The joint operation relates to a proactive dog breeding licensing investigation, and an investigation into ear cropping offences under section 5 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006. 12 dogs were seized under the Animal Welfare Act, with an estimated value of £80k.
All dogs have been moved to safety where they will be cared for while the investigation into the case continues.
Katherine Dunne, Cabinet Member for Communities and Climate Emergency, said: “We’re proud of the multiagency work we’re doing to uphold animal rights in the borough. We hope today’s intervention to investigate alleged offences will help prevent further harm being committed against animals.
“We want to send a clear message today: if evidence emerges of any individual committing offences against animals in the borough, we will work with our partners to take action.
“As a Council we’re committed to building a humane society, where people and animals can flourish, and where the highest of our ideals are lived out in our daily lives.
“I want to pay a special tribute to the Animal Protection Services charity, Met Police, and Hounslow Council’s Animal Control team whose work on this investigation has been second to none.”
A spokesperson for Animal Protection Services said: “We are working on a national level at detecting and prosecuting criminals involved in ear cropping as part of Operation Predator.
“We cannot comment any further on this live investigation due to the risk that it may prejudice any potential prosecution.”