Dog owners warned after nearly 40 attacks

At least two of the incidents involved pocket bully dogs

Police have urged dog owners to take responsibility and ensure their pets are "properly controlled" after officers responded to almost 40 dangerous dog reports in a week.

Since November 8, South Yorkshire Police said it had been called to 39 reports of dogs causing "fear or harm in our communities".

A spokesperson said there had been fatal dog attacks in South Yorkshire and it was "only a matter of time before another life is lost if action isn't taken".

"These are not isolated events - they are part of a growing and deeply concerning trend," they added.

At least two of the incidents involved attacks on children.

On Thursday a seven-year-old, who was attacked in the face by a family Jack Russell in East Herringthorpe, Rotherham, required surgery to their lips.

On Tuesday a two-year-old was attacked by a neighbour's pocket bully in Ecclesfield.

Meanwhile police were called to a property in Bolton-Upon-Dearne at 05:00 GMT on Monday after a family dog, a pocket bully, savaged a man's face, leaving him with life-altering injuries.

Officers were called to the Fox Hill Road area of Sheffield on Thursday after a woman walking her dogs was aggressively approached and attacked by a loose Staffordshire bull terrier.

The dog was captured by police.

A spokesperson said: "These incidents are a stark reminder that such attacks are preventable - and that responsible dog ownership is not optional, it's essential."

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