Police have explained what happened after controversy erupted over a seized dog being put down.

After a video related to the seizure was shared online, Three Rivers Police confirmed the pet had been taken from its owner in the area on February 9.

Hertfordshire Constabulary have confirmed the dog, believed to be a pit bull, was "humanely put to sleep" as they are unable to rehome prohibited breeds.

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Further controversy and confusion followed the statement and the force issued a further response to clear it up.

A spokesperson said: “The dog was examined by an expert, where it remained well looked after in kennels, who confirmed the dog was predominately a pit bull-type dog and therefore a prohibited dog under the Dangerous Dogs Act.

“Due to the dog being voluntarily signed over by the owner and subsequently put to sleep by specially-trained officers, the owner would not have been able to have an independent assessment conducted and as such we cannot proceed with the investigation.

“In this case, the owner decided to sign the dog over to police in the full knowledge that it would be put to sleep.”

No one has been arrested or charged.