Boy, 7, undergoes surgery after XL Bully attack

An XL bully is the largest kind of American bully dog.

A seven-year-old boy has undergone surgery on his neck after he was bitten by his family's XL Bully.

The attack took place at a house in the Hatfield area of Doncaster at about 20:00 BST on Monday, South Yorkshire Police said.

A spokesperson said the incident was one of 15 reports of dogs being dangerously out of control across South Yorkshire on Monday.

They said: "Any dog of any breed can bite and cause harm or fear. It is important that you understand your dog, it's behaviour and ensure it has a safe space where it can be alone."

In another of the incidents, a nine-year-old boy suffered injuries to his ear when he was mauled by his family dog, a Shih Tzu, at his home in Doncaster.

The force said both the XL Bully - which was registered - and the Shih Tzu had been seized by officers.

Earlier this month South Yorkshire Police said 165 children had been injured by dogs across the county this year, while 34 children were injured by dogs during last summer's school holidays.

Insp Steve Usher from the force said: "Please stop thinking: 'It won't happen to me' and talk to your child about respecting your own dog and staying safe around other people's dogs."

Since February 2024 it has been a criminal offence to own or possess an XL Bully in England and Wales without a Certificate of Exemption.

The force has previously said dealing with reports of dogs behaving dangerously was creating an "unprecedented demand" on officers.

"We are doing all we can to safeguard our communities, but we can't be everywhere, and I fear it is only a matter of time before someone is seriously injured or killed by a dog," said Ch Insp Emma Cheney.

Her warning came after a six-month-old baby was bitten on the face by the family terrier-type pet in Sheffield and required hospital treatment.

South Yorkshire Police has published details of numerous incidents involving reports of dogs dangerously out of control in recent years, many of which have been met with a heavy-handed approach by officers.

BBC research found that 226 dogs were destroyed by the force between January and August last year.

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