Dog owners warned after 13 attacks in 48 hours

Police have urged dog owners to “step up before someone dies” after 13 incidents of dangerous dogs were reported in less than 48 hours.

South Yorkshire Police said these included a man suffering lacerations to his face, neck and head after he was attacked by his dog in Sheffield.

Other reports included a loose XL Bully jumping up at a woman who had her baby in a carrier on her chest, and a woman and her grandchild were also attacked by another loose dog in Sheffield.

The force said owners who did not "not step up" and prevent harm would not be tolerated.

Ch Insp Emma Cheney said: "People think it won’t happen to them, that their dog won’t cause harm, but it can happen to anyone.

“You are responsible for your dog’s actions and we continue to put people before the courts.”

Two of the attacks were committed by loose dogs, one of which was an XL Bully, she said.

The man attacked by his own dog was attempting to separate the American Bulldog from a pocket bully inside his home.

The dog was seized and remains in police kennels.

Ch Insp Cheney said the call outs presented a financial cost to the force and had the added cost of the dogs' care while a decision was made on its future.

“We only have a limited number of resources, attending dangerous dog incidents takes officers away from other calls," she said.

“If every owner steps up and makes small changes, we can make a difference.”

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