Six month old bitten as South Yorkshire Police deal with spate of dangerous dog incidents
The South Yorkshire force says it dealt with 20 reports of out of control dogs over a 48 hour period from Tuesday
Last updated 13th Jun 2025
A six month old baby has been bitten in the face by a dog, with South Yorkshire Police dealing with a spate of dangerous dog incidents throughout this week.
The force say there were called to 20 different incidents over a 48 hour period from Tuesday, including to reports a family dog had attacked an infant.
The terrier type animal has been seized, while the baby has been treated in hospital.
South Yorkshire Police officers were also called to reports two XL Bully dogs were loose in a garden in the Gawber area of Barnsley and were attacking a third dog.
Both were seized and placed in police kennels.
South Yorkshire, Chief Inspector Emma Cheney said: “Something needs to change and owners need to change. 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.
“Emergency calls for dangerous dogs present a financial cost to the force every time we respond, often requiring officers from multiple teams to attend, as well as contracted kennel personnel who then transport, house and care for the dogs until action is decided.
“Following the initial emergency response, officers then carry out safeguarding checks and referrals for vulnerable people, progress the investigation into any criminal aspects of the incident and ensure justice is secured.
“All of this comes at a cost and takes officers away from other frontline duties.
“If every owner steps up and makes small changes, we can make a difference.”