The girl was walking with her father when they were attacked
Catherine Road, Sheffield(Image: Google Maps)
A little girl has been mauled by a dog on the loose while walking in a Sheffield street.
The girl and her father were walking in Catherine Road on October 3 when a pocket bully fled from its owners and ran towards the pair. The dog bit the child on her shoulder, and as her dad rushed to help her, it bit him on his right arm.
The owner soon came over to get the dog before leaving.
Following a police investigation, the dog believed to have been involved was seized, and it remains in police kennels. However, the police have said the demand for help around out of control dogs is currently “unprecendented”.
They have warned owners that dogs are their owners responsibility, and that owners will be held responsible for the actions of their pet.
Inspector Steve Usher of the Dangerous Dogs Team with South Yorkshire Police said: “We continue to see incidents of dogs causing harm or fear across South Yorkshire, and the seizing of dogs and investigating crimes continues to put unprecedented demand on our officers and force.
“Every day we receive on average five calls to report of dogs causing fear or harm in South Yorkshire. Responding to these incidents takes officers away from other frontline duties and can ultimately be avoided.”
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“If you have a dog, you should never leave it unattended with children, make sure it has somewhere safe and comfortable to go when you have visitors, and make changes when your children become more mobile, such as stair gates, to keep your dog and child separate.”
The police say when walking your dog, you must:
- Walk your dog on a lead in public spaces
- Beware of other dogs while out walking
- Ensure your dog is microchipped and wearing a collar
- Understand your dogs behaviour and tailor your routes
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