Woman arrested and dog seized amid ”fatality fears”

Following two incidents in the region on the same night, police are now urging dog owners “to up their efforts in keeping everyone safe” amid fears of a fatality.

Officers made the arrest after attending Harlington Crescent in Denaby Main at 10.20pm last Thursday (September 21) following reports of “a woman using her mastiff-type dog to cause fear and harm towards a man.”

A police spokesperson said: “A 37-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of offences under the Dangerous Dogs Act and the dog was seized.

“Eight minutes later, we received another call reporting an XL Bully attacking another dog on Laburnum Grove in Sheffield.”

“It is believed the dog escaped from its home and attacked an innocent dog being walked along the street.

"The owner attempted to intervene and suffered significant injuries, requiring hospital treatment.

Officers are continuing to urge the public to understand the risk dangerous dogs pose to their owners, other people and police attending incidents.

Dog legislation officer PC Paul Jameson said: “We’re continuing to see an increase in incidents involving dogs being out of control, or causing fear, and without action, and we fear it is only a matter of time until we experience another fatality within South Yorkshire.

“We’re urging dog owners of all breeds to up their efforts in keeping everyone safe.

“Please stop thinking that ‘my dog wouldn’t do that’, ‘my dog wouldn’t bite my child’.

“This can happen to anyone.

“During this month, we have already seen several children requiring hospital treatment for attacks by their own family pets, innocent dog walkers being left with serious injuries by loose dogs and officers suffering injury during their response.”

Police have also issued a number of tips for dog owners including:

• Always supervise your dog and children - pay attention to what is happening so you can intervene at the earliest opportunity
• Encourage gentle stroking - do not allow children to pull, grab or sit on the dog
• Do not allow children near your dog if it is eating, sleeping, or with items that belong to him/her such as toys.
• Plan your walk - you know your dog. If they are likely to become stressed in large crowds and busy areas, walk them in the morning or evening and avoid public parks and paths
• Keeping your dog on a lead can stop them running over to families with children or other dogs.

PC Jameson continued: “Although we are seeing an increase in incidents, we are also seeing many victims who do not wish to prosecute and support a police investigation.

“I would like to reassure you that we do not put all dogs we seize to sleep.

“If there is no risk to the public, where possible we work with the owner, alongside charities, including the Blue Cross, to refer owners onto a responsible dog ownership course and put measures in place to reduce risk.”