A 10-year-old girl was rushed to the hospital following an attack by an unregistered XL bully dog in Doncaster.
The incident occurred just after 10am on Monday when police were called to a property in Belvedere, Balby.
The dog had violently attacked the child in the garden, shaking her head from side to side and biting her neck, resulting in serious injuries.
Despite the severity of the attack, her bleeding was controlled, and her injuries are not considered life-threatening.
READ MORE: Two women arrested after suspected stabbing at Seven Sisters Tube station
In the UK, XL bully owners are mandated to register their dogs and adhere to strict regulations after the breed was banned in February. Following the attack, a 37-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of possessing a banned breed, allowing the dog to be dangerously out of control, and child neglect.
Additionally, two teenagers, aged 13 and 15, were detained on similar suspicions. All three have since been released from custody, while the dog is held in police kennels.
Chief Inspector Emma Cheney emphasized the importance of responsible dog ownership to prevent such incidents. “This incident could have had a tragic ending and led to a fatality,” she stated. “We continue to urge people to stop thinking ‘it won’t happen to me’. Owners need to step up and be responsible, understand your dog, their behaviour, and keep everyone safe.”
South Yorkshire Police also advised dog owners to keep their pets on a lead in public, use designated footpaths, supervise their animals at all times, and be mindful that not everyone is comfortable around dogs.
In a related incident, a woman in her 30s died after being attacked by a pet dog in Coventry. West Midlands Police indicated that the dog involved in this case was not a banned breed.
READ MORE: Two crooks on hired bikes mocked for pinching posh food from Waitrose home delivery van
