South Yorkshire Police warns after 13 reports of dangerous dogs in 48 hours

South Yorkshire Police have warned pet owners to “act before someone dies” after receiving 13 reports of dangerous dogs in less than 48 hours.

One man was attacked by his own American bulldog in Sheffield on Thursday afternoon, police said, as he tried to separate him from a pocket bully in a property.

The owner suffered lacerations to his face, neck and head and was taken to hospital, while his dog was seized and remains in police kennels.

Warning: disturbing images below

In another incident, a woman was walking home with her baby in a carrier on her chest when she was approached by a loose XL bully who began showing aggression and jumping up at her baby.

An elderly woman and her grandchild were attacked by another stray dog in Sheffield.

“As dogs causing harm and fear in our communities continue to place significant demand on our forces, we urge owners to take action before someone dies,” South Yorkshire Police said in a statement.

The warning comes after the 10-year-old Savannah Bentham was killed at her family’s home in North Yorkshire, with their dog on November 1.

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 involving the death of a dog.

“People think it won’t happen to them, that their dog won’t do any harm, but it can happen to anyone. Any dog can cause fear and harm and owners who do not intervene and prevent harm to our communities will not do so. tolerated.

“You are responsible for your dog’s actions, and we continue to take people to court.

“We only have so many resources, attending incidents involving dangerous dogs takes officers away from other calls. If every owner steps up and makes small changes we can make a difference.”