THREE dogs were seized from properties after police raids.

Police and animal welfare inspectors raided two addresses in Colne and one address in Barrowford on Thursday between 8am and 4pm.

The dogs were taken during the operation and are currently undergoing forensic veterinary examination.

Officers said two men were arrested after the multi-agency operation tackling animal welfare. 

The two men are currently being investigated for offences under the Animal Welfare Act, including causing unnecessary suffering to an animal, hunting with dogs and breach of an animal disqualification order.

They have been released pending further investigation. 

Another man was given a warning in relation to the conditions in which he was keeping an animal.

The raid was carried out as part of Operation Gale, which aims to catch the perpetrators of animal cruelty and wildlife crimes.

It involved Pendle police officers, specialist wildlife officers and inspectors from the RSPCA.

Lancashire Police’s wildlife officer, PC Nigel Keates, said: “A multi-agency operation was conducted between 8am and 4pm on Thursday, which involved Pendle local policing officers, specialist wildlife officers and inspectors from the RSPCA.

“Warrants were carried out at two addresses in Colne and one address in Barrowford.

“This led to the arrest of two males who are currently being investigated for offences under Animal Welfare Act, causing unnecessary suffering to an animal, hunting with dogs and breach of an animal disqualification order.

“A further male was given a warning in relation to the conditions in which he was keeping an animal.

“The two men have since been released pending further operation.

“Our investigations are ongoing.”

He urged anyone with information about animal cruelty and wildlife crime to phone the police on 101 or Crimestoppers. 

He added: “Animal cruelty and wildlife crime is barbaric and we need to ensure that perpetrators of this are brought to justice.”