Dog mauled to death in attack by pocket bully

A dog has been mauled to death by another that escaped from its home in Rotherham, police said.

Officers were called to Albany Road in Kilnhurst at 07:05 BST on Monday following reports a shih-tzu was being attacked by a pocket bully - a mix of an American bully and a Patterdale terrier.

Armed officers attended and seized the pocket bully that was found in a nearby property. It remains in kennels while inquiries continue, South Yorkshire Police said.

Ch Insp Emma Cheney said: "The owner of the shih-tzu, an elderly woman, could have been seriously injured during this ordeal. Thankfully, she was not but is now grieving the loss of her dog and companion."

She added: "This was another case of dogs escaping their home, something that can easily be avoided with responsible measures in place."

Over the Easter weekend, South Yorkshire Police received 26 reports of dogs causing harm or fear.

Ch Insp Cheney said the force received on average five reports a day of dogs acting dangerously in the area and urged owners to be responsible.

"If owners don't change, the reality is, it's only a matter of time before we could be facing another fatality caused by a dog and an irresponsible owner," she said.

"This behaviour will not be tolerated, and we will take action. You will be held responsible and you will be put in front of a court for your animal's behaviour."

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