‘Someone will die’: Thirteen dog attacks in 48 hours prompt dire warning from shocked police

An American Bulldog owner mauled by his own pet was one of 13 dog attacks reported to police in just 48 hours.

The mutt left its owner a bloody mess after he intervened to separate the pooch and a pocket bully in a house.

He was taken to hospital after suffering deep wounds and cuts to his face, neck and head in the brutal mauling in Sheffield on Thursday afternoon.

The bulldog was seized by officers and is currently being held in police kennels.

In a spate of dangerous dog attacks, a loose XL Bully sneaked around and jumped on a young mother walking home with her young baby in a baby carrier, leaving her fearing for her child’s safety.

A grandmother and her grandchild were also attacked by another stray dog ​​in the city, prompting South Yorkshire Police to issue a grim warning that someone will die unless dog owners ‘take action’.

It comes days after 10-year-old Savannah Bentham was mauled to death by her pet XL Bully, with whom North Yorkshire Police said she had a ‘close, loving relationship’.

Chief Inspector Emma Cheney, who is leading the investigation into dangerous dogs in South Yorkshire, said: ‘Recently we have sadly seen another fatal incident in Britain resulting in the death of a dog.

‘People think it won’t happen to them, that it won’t hurt their dog, but it can happen to anyone.

“Any dog ​​can cause fear and harm and owners who fail to intervene and prevent harm to our communities will not be tolerated.”

She said directly to the owners, “You are responsible for your dog’s actions, and we will continue to take people to court.”

Police complained about the financial costs and resources they incur in each response to a dog attack, saying it took officers “away from other calls.”

In addition to having to hire kennel staff to transport and house the street dogs, they must also conduct security checks and investigate any criminal aspects to “ensure that justice is achieved.”

A police spokesperson added: ‘Apart from investigative resources, dogs seized during incidents must be cared for and kenneled until a decision is made.’

CI Cheney continued: “We only have so many resources, attending dangerous dog incidents keeps officers away from other calls. If every owner does their part and makes small changes, we can make a difference.’

Savannah was killed by her pet at the beginning of this month after being attacked by her pet at home in Malton, Yorkshire.

Traumatic scenes – in which the girl’s mother ran outside screaming ‘my baby is dead’ – unfolded in the sleepy Yorkshire village after Savannah reportedly bragged to her friends: ‘I’ve got a new pet – an XL- bully’.

In a statement through North Yorkshire Police, Savannah’s family said they were ‘utterly shocked’ and ‘devastated’, adding: ‘We can’t believe we have lost our wonderful girl who we love so much. ‘

They continued: ‘We thank everyone for their support and kindness as we struggle to come to terms with our loss. We ask that our family’s privacy be respected as we mourn Savannah.”

The family live in a static caravan on a site behind a shop in East Heslerton, North Yorkshire.

North Yorkshire Police said the girl had a ‘close, loving relationship’ with the dog that subsequently killed her. Police said the mutt would be put down.