A four-year-old girl has been severely injured by two ‘XL Bullies’ while enjoying a day at the park with her mother in Sheffield.
The incident occurred just before 5:30 PM on September 5, as she was playing and was approached by two unrestrained dogs.
Fortunately, her injuries were not critical. Subsequently, the dogs were confiscated from a residence and remain in police custody.
Authorities have not disclosed the name of the park where the encounter happened.
Merely two days later, a two-year-old boy faced a similar plight when he was bitten by a neighbor’s dog.
A Staffordshire Bull Terrier sprang towards him and bit him multiple times—though his injuries were non-life-threatening, they necessitated hospital care.
The attacking dog was subsequently removed and euthanized.
Chief Inspector Jonathan Greaves remarked: ‘We are witnessing an unprecedented surge in incidents involving dangerous dogs throughout South Yorkshire.
‘We urge all dog owners to take responsibility for ensuring safety. You are accountable for your pet’s behavior; ultimately, you will be the one facing legal consequences.’
‘Keep in mind that dogs are animals; their reactions can be unpredictable in certain circumstances.’
‘Please adhere to our guidelines, recognize your dog’s behavior, and seek assistance if needed.’
XL Bullies were prohibited in January. This relatively new yet increasingly popular breed has been implicated in numerous attacks over recent years.
As per current regulations, dogs must be muzzled in public, neutered, and microchipped. It is illegal to breed, sell, advertise, exchange, abandon, gift, rehome, or allow XL Bully dogs to roam free.
Similar bans are being implemented in Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Ireland.
The XL Bully is a crossbreed of pit bulls, various terriers, and bulldogs. The ‘XL’ designation indicates that these dogs typically weigh just under 70 kg and stand up to 23 inches tall at the shoulder.
In 2021, of four fatal dog attack cases, the American Bully was implicated in two of the fatalities, according to the advocacy organization Bully Watch UK.
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