'Dangerously out of control' XL Bully shot dead by police in Sheffield
Police were called to the scene on Saturday afternoon
Police in Sheffield have shot dead an XL Bully dog, which was attacking members of the public in the Hillsborough area.
Officers were called at 1:10pm on Saturday (December 7) to Dunella Road reports of a dangerously out of control animal.
It's thought the animal had bitten a woman on the arm, and also menaced a second person who was walking a dog.
Armed officers located the animal and, as no owner could be found, decided it needed to be put down to prevent further harm to the public.
Officers are still trying to find out how the dog got loose and are appealing for witnesses to come forward.
South Yorkshire Police Chief Inspector Emma Cheney said:
“We are continuing to see unprecedented demand on our force from dogs causing harm and fear across South Yorkshire.
“We have sadly had serious injuries and fatalities within South Yorkshire caused by dogs, and recent events across the country have also seen children killed by family pets; owners must step up.
“Following the incident in Sheffield, we are aware of allegations and speculation on social media and would like to confirm the dog was loose at the time, with no owner close-by when the decision was made to destroy the dog.
“I would also like to remind you that officers put themselves in harm’s way every day on the frontline to protect and serve their communities. They are highly trained, professional, and skilled people and their decisions are based on risk and threat, with their own and public safety as a priority.
“They are also human; they have families and friends who care for them and witnessing threatening and intimidating behaviour online is not acceptable.”