Pocket bully seized by police after dog mauled to death in Rotherham
Officers were called to reports of a a shih-tzu being attacked by a pocket bully on Easter Monday
A pet dog has been mauled to death in Rotherham, during an attack which police say could have been 'easily prevented'.
Officers were called to reports of a a shih-tzu being attacked by a pocket bully on Easter Monday (April 21) at 7:05am on Albany Road in Kilnhurst.
Armed officers found the owner of the shih-tzu in shock at the scene. The offending dog was seized from a nearby home and is being held in kennels.
South Yorkshire Police say the incident was just one of 26 involving dogs which happened over the Easter weekend.
South Yorkshire Police Chief Inspector Emma Cheney said: “This was another case of dogs escaping their home, something that can easily be avoided with responsible measures in place.
“The owner of the shih-tzu, an elderly woman, could have been seriously injured during this ordeal. Thankfully, she was not but is now grieving the loss of her dog and companion.
“Every day, we receive on average five reports of dogs acting dangerously across South Yorkshire, pulling officers, vehicles and money away from other areas of policing.
“We are continuing to see people seriously injured nationally and we are doing all we can to ensure we reduce the risk of that happening in South Yorkshire, but if owners don’t change, the reality is, it’s only a matter of time before we could be facing another fatality caused by a dog and an irresponsible owner.
“This behaviour will not be tolerated, and we will take action. You will be held responsible and you will be put in front of a court for your animal’s behaviour.”