A DOG dealer from Buntingford could be illegally selling a breed of dog over the internet which experts say does not exist. Alan Shaker, 32, who runs a business website for Shakers Kennels from his mobile phone, has been selling what he says are Irish S

A DOG dealer from Buntingford could be illegally selling a breed of dog over the internet - which experts say does not exist. Alan Shaker, 32, who runs a business website for Shakers Kennels from his mobile phone, has been selling what he says are Irish Staffordshire Bull Terriers. However, the RSPCA say there is no such breed and the term "Irish" is used to hide the fact they are crossbred with the banned American Pit Bull Terrier. Mike Butcher, RSPCA investigator said: "There is no such recognised breed called Irish Staffordshire Bull Terriers. I have seen the website used by Shakers Kennels and am alarmed by references made to fighting dogs and their pedigrees because that suggests these dogs may be illegal." Mr Butcher said one of the dogs being sold on the website would have descended from the original Bull Terrier used in fighting pits in the early 1900s which were then later called Pit Bull Terriers. "The use of the internet to advertise dogs is a worrying development," he said. "The term Irish is jargon they use to trade in pitbull dogs. They are aggressive and don't feel pain like other breeds. They won't let go once they bite even if severely injured." Mr Butcher continued: "As far as prosecuting is concerned we would only prosecute if the dogs had been fighting or if they were injured. "But it would be up to the police to investigate the matter under the 1991 Dangerous Dogs Act." The 1996 Breed and Sale of Dogs Act says that anyone who breeds dogs and then sells them on must have a licence. An East Herts District Council spokesman said: "We weren't aware of any dog breeding going on in the area. "However, we will be investigating the matter until we know what he has been doing. "We can't make a judgement at the moment or say whether he has been breaking the law or not." After several attempts, The Crow was unable to contact Mr Shaker before going to press yesterday. In addition the websites homepage was temporarily closed.