Victim of XL bully dog attack sought by police

Strict rules about owning XL bully dogs came into force in England and Wales on 31 December 2023

A woman who was attacked by an XL bully and held her own dog above her head to protect it is being sought by police.

Armed officers were called to Dunella Road in Sheffield on 7 December at 13:10 GMT, following reports an XL bully had bitten a woman.

A South Yorkshire Police spokesperson said when officers arrived the animal ran towards them and it was "deemed necessary to destroy the dog at the scene".

"We are keen to speak to a woman who we believe was fearful for her own dog's safety and subjected to fear from the dog," they added.

The spokesperson said a passer-by had stopped to help and had "put the woman and her dog into his car and drove them to safety".

Police said an investigation into the dog's actions and how it became loose was ongoing.

XL bullies are prohibited under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, which means it is an offence to be in possession of one unless they are registered exempt; neutered; microchipped; insured; muzzled, and kept on a lead in public.

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