Dangerous dog reports at 'unprecedented' level

South Yorkshire Police handled 32 reports of dogs being out of control in the county between Friday and Monday

Dozens of reports of dangerous dogs - including two attacks which caused serious injuries - led to "unprecedented demand" for police help at the weekend, officers have said.

South Yorkshire Police handled 32 reports of dogs being out of control in the county between Friday and Monday.

On Sunday evening, an English Bull Dog attacked its owner in Goldthorpe, leaving her requiring reconstructive surgery to her hands and arms.

Just 20 minutes later, an escaped German Shepherd was reported to have attacked a dog and its owner in Balby, with the victim being bitten on her shoulder, police added.

"Over the weekend we have seen an unprecedented demand on our force following reports of dangerous dogs across South Yorkshire," the force said in a statement.

"Each day we received... reports for dogs out of control or causing injury or fear in our communities."

'Irresponsible' owners

Since the start of the year, more than 500 dogs had been seized by South Yorkshire Police, Ch Insp Emma Cheney said.

“Our priority is to protect the public, and innocent members of our communities.

"Last week we sadly saw a two-year-old girl mauled by a loose dog; this is not acceptable and irresponsible ownership will be dealt with by the courts," she said.

In the most recent incidents, the woman in Goldthorpe lost consciousness and was taken to hospital. Her dog had been seized.

“Every time we attend an incident, it comes at a cost, including the resources responding and kennelling, as well as the additional pressure on the ambulance service and hospitals caring for those injured," Ms Cheney added.

Owners should be responsible and protect themselves, their family and the people who live near them, the force said.

Correction: The image on this story has been changed after a photo of an English Bull Terrier was used in error.

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