South Yorkshire dog owners warned after 13 attacks in 48 hours

Ch Insp Emma Cheney said: “People think it won’t happen to them, that their dog won’t cause harm, but it can happen to anyone.

“You are responsible for your dog’s actions and we continue to put people before the courts.”

Two of the attacks were committed by loose dogs, one of which was an XL Bully, she said.

The man attacked by his own dog was attempting to separate the American Bulldog from a pocket bully inside his home.

The dog was seized and remains in police kennels.

Ch Insp Cheney said the call outs presented a financial cost to the force and had the added cost of the dogs’ care while a decision was made on its future.

“We only have a limited number of resources, attending dangerous dog incidents takes officers away from other calls,” she said.

“If every owner steps up and makes small changes, we can make a difference.”

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