Man 'put lives at risk' by breeding and selling banned dogs

A Sheffield man has been banned from keeping dogs for five years after admitting a string of offences under the Dangerous Dogs Act.

Tomas Evison, 28, of Shirecliffe Road, had pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of a fighting dog, one count of selling a fighting dog and one count of breeding fighting dogs.

Officers from South Yorkshire Police executed a warrant at Evison’s home address in July 2016.

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They found a male and female pit bull terrier – dogs which are banned under the act.

The female pit bull terrier was found to be pregnant when officers seized the animals, but Evison disclaimed the litter.

Temporary Sergeant Matt Duffy, from the Status Dogs team, said: “Evison’s activities potentially put the lives of his family, friends and the wider community at risk by breeding and selling banned breeds.

“His actions could have led to the suffering of other dogs and animals, as well as the potential to cause significant distress to dog owners if their dogs have to be taken from them."

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He was sentenced to 80 hours unpaid work, 25 days supervision and a fine of £145 when he appeared at Sheffield Magistrates’ Court this morning.

The court also banned him from keeping, owning or participating in the keeping or selling dogs for five years, and ordered that the dogs be destroyed.

Temporary Sgt Duffy said: “We are committed to protecting our communities and will always investigate reports relating to the ownership, breeding and/or selling of banned breeds.

“If you have any information about this criminality, you can call police on 101 or report it to Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111.”