Two men, aged 35 and 42, have been arrested in a joint operation by Oldham Trading Standards officers, Greater Manchester Police and the RSPCA, during which 18 dogs were seized.
The dogs were seized at a residential property and an adjacent commercial property in Chadderton.
The men were arrested on suspicion of possession of drugs with intent to supply, firearms offences, and animal cruelty. They remain in custody for questioning. The scene is still in place but so far police have recovered two boxes of cannabis, a magazine of bullets, and machinery police believe is used to make bullets.
Inspector Tony Allt from GMP Oldham district said: “This was a significant find for us and comes off the back of some excellent collaborative work with the council, partner agencies, and our neighbourhood policing team.
“We understand that dangerous dogs are a concern for our communities at the moment, and I hope this action demonstrates that we are working tirelessly to clamp down on this type of criminality, and all associated forms of offending.”
Councillor Chris Goodwin, Oldham Council’s Cabinet Member for neighbourhoods, said: “As today’s operation demonstrates, we can and will take robust action where animal welfare issues are reported to us.
“Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, anyone who is responsible for an animal has a duty of care to take reasonable steps to ensure that the animal's needs are met.
“Please refer to the animal welfare section of the Council’s website for more information if you have any concerns and how report to the RSPCA .”