FOUR dogs seized in Colne by police may have been used for fighting.

A terrier, a lurcher and two bull lurchers were taken from a house in the Waterside area of the town.

Local councillor Graham Roach believes that a recent spate of dogs found to be used for hunting and fighting is ‘just the tip of the iceberg’.

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Police were granted a warrant by Burnley Magistrates to force entry into the property along with RSPCA officers after residents reported their concerns over the dogs’ welfare.

A man is due to be questioned in relation to animal welfare laws and also ov er possible offences of causing an animal to fight as it is understood scarring was found on the dogs.

The terrier and the lurcher dog have been released back to the owner following last Friday’s raid, while the two bull lurchers have been retained for a vet’s examination.

PC Nigel Keates said: “The seizure of these dogs came about after a number of reports from concerned residents.

“The RSPCA and police are investigating and dealing with any future prosecutions in relation to this enquiry. We are working closely with the RSPCA to secure a positive result.”

Cllr Roach said: “In the past 12 months the number of dogs being used for hunting and fighting has been a particular issue that has been plaguing Pendle, in particular Colne.

“The council, police and RSPCA have been working together to try and stop it, but it seems to be just the tip of the iceberg.

“Everyone has a responsibility to look after their own dogs. Anyone doing this will not get away with it.”

PC Keates added: “We rely on the public being our eyes and ears.

“There have been a number of cases [dog fighting] in the last twelve months and we are getting results. There are more in the pipeline and we will release information on each case as it passes the court stage.

“We can never have enough information and information is key in helping to obtain a warrant to gain entry to a property and allowing us to seek the evidence we need.”

Anyone with information about suspected animal cruelty can call Crime Stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or email pendle.npt@lancashire.pnn.police.uk.