A FOUR-year-old girl has been attacked by what are thought to be two XL Bully dogs while she was playing in a park with her mum
The youngster was later rushed to hospital suffering from bite wounds.
On September, 4 just before 5.30pm officers responded to reports of a child being attacked by two dogs while on a park in Sheffield.
It is believed that while the four-year-old girl was playing, two loose dogs, believed to be XL Bullys approached the girl and began to maul her, causing injuries to her body.
Her injuries are not life-threatening.
The dogs were later seized from a property and remain in police kennels.
A couple of days later, on September 6, at 4pm in a separate attack South Yorkshire Police received a call for reports a young boy had been bitten by a neighbour’s dog.
It is believed that while the two year-old child was sat on his mother’s knee, the dog, thought to be a Staffordshire Bull Terrier lunged towards the child, several times, causing injuries.
The boy was taken to hospital, his injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.
The dog was seized and has since been put down.
Chief Inspector Jonathan Greaves said: “We are continuing to see unprecedented demand from dangerous dogs across South Yorkshire.
“We’re urging all dog owners to play their part in keeping everyone safe.
“You are responsible for your dog’s actions; you will be the one in court.
“Please remember dogs are animals, they can sometimes be unpredictable in how they react to certain situations.
“Please follow our advice, understand your dog and its behaviour, and seek help where necessary.”
Yes, the American Bully XL is banned in the UK after legislation came into force on February 1, 2024.
All hounds now must be kept on a lead and muzzled in public.
Anyone found in possession of an XL Bully and is not meeting the strict rules will have their dog taken away and faces prosecution and a criminal record.
It is illegal to own an unregistered XL Bully hound and owners had until the end of January to get insurance, microchip their dog and pay a £92.40 application fee per animal.
However, even if the beast is registered owners must prove the dog is neutered by June 30 – or the end of 2024 if it’s a puppy – to meet the rules.
All XL Bullies out in the public must be in a muzzle and on a lead.
People with dangerously out-of-control dogs can be jailed for up to 14 years, while their pets could be put down.
South Yorkshire Police has also issued advice for dog owners:
Walk your dog on a lead in public areas.
Do not leave children unattended with dogs.
Make sure your dog has somewhere safe and comfortable to go when you have visitors.
