Puppy killed and owners injured in South Yorkshire dog attacks

A 19-year-old woman was seriously injured by her own Staffordshire bull terrier in Barnsley on Thursday (stock image)

A puppy was mauled to death and two dog owners were injured during separate incidents in South Yorkshire within the space of four hours, police said.

Officers were called to a home in Doncaster on Thursday evening after reports a "bully breed" had killed a puppy before injuring its owner.

At about 15:00 GMT in Barnsley, a 19-year-old woman was seriously injured by her Staffordshire bull terrier.

The attacks prompted officers to warn owners not to "become complacent".

South Yorkshire Police said the puppy had died by the time the force arrived at the incident in Doncaster, with the older dog seized by police.

The 19-year-old woman in the Worsbrough Common area of Barnsley was taken to hospital with serious but non-life threatening injuries.

Chief Insp Emma Cheney said: "The woman in Barnsley who suffered serious injury had a small child in the home at the time and we must realise the dangers posed to vulnerable people.

"If your dog is displaying any signs of aggression, seek help - charities are available to work with you and your dog."

Dog safety advice

• Provide your dog with space to move away from the people in your home

• Always supervise your dog and children and pay attention to what is happening so you can intervene at the earliest opportunity

• Encourage gentle stroking and do not allow children to pull, grab or sit on the dog

• Do not allow people unknown to your dog near them if it is eating, sleeping or with items that belong to him/her, such as toys

• If you see that your dog is becoming worried or agitated, or anyone is becoming frightened, provide a safe space for each of them to have some time alone

Source: South Yorkshire Police