Three people were arrested in a major police and RSPCA operation to crack down on animal cruelty in Keighley.

Officers swooped on five addresses in the area early yesterday, following a long-running investigation.

Several animals, including five dogs and a hawk, were recovered.

The arrested men were held on suspicion of offences including deer-poaching and cruelty relating to badger-baiting and injuries sustained to dogs.

Two of the recovered dogs, bull lurcher and terrier- types, were taken to a vet for treatment. The hawk was seized under the Animal Welfare Act because it was allegedly being kept in unsuitable conditions.

PC Richard Oddy, wildlife officer with Airedale and North Bradford Police, said: “These raids have come about as a result of information provided by the public to the police and RSPCA, which has allowed us to work together to act as we have.”

  • Read the full story in Thursday’s T&A