Two South Yorkshire toddlers hospitalised in dog attacks in space of three days
The children, aged 2 and 4, were both taken to hospital following the incidents
Last updated 9th Sep 2024
Two toddlers have been left requiring hospital treatment after being bitten by XL bully dogs in the last week, with one young girl being mauled while playing on the park with her mum.
It comes as South Yorkshire Police say it's getting around five reports a day of dogs being dangerously out of control.
At around 5.30pm on 4th September officers responded to reports of a 4-year-old girl being attacked by two dogs while on a park in Sheffield.
The two loose dogs, believed to be XL Bullys, approached the girl and began to maul her while she was playing, causing injuries to her body.
The girl was taken to hospital with injuries which were not life-threatening. The dogs were later seized from a property and remain in police kennels.
A couple of days later, on 6th September, police were called to 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, believed to be a Staffordshire Bull Terrier lunged towards the child, several times, causing injuries.
The boy was taken to hospital with injuries not believed to be life-threatening. The dog was seized and has since been disclaimed and put to sleep.
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.”
The force are advising dog owners to: *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
For more information and advice, please visit the BlueCross website.