Schoolgirl Bitten by Dangerous Dog in Yorkshire This Incident Could Have Had a Tragic Ending
In a shocking incident in Balby, Yorkshire, a schoolgirl was viciously attacked by a banned dog breed, leading to the arrest of a 37-year-old woman and two teenagers, aged 13 and 15. The dangerous beast bit the girl in the neck at a private property, prompting an immediate response from emergency services at 10:15 am on Monday.
According to South Yorkshire Police, the child was in a neighbor’s garden when the dog attacked, seizing her head and swinging it side to side. The attack resulted in deep neck wounds, but quick action from responders controlled the bleeding before the girl was rushed to A&E. Fortunately, her injuries are not considered life-threatening.
The woman was arrested on suspicion of possession of a banned breed, allowing a dog to be dangerously out of control, and child neglect. The two teenagers were arrested on suspicion of allowing a dog to be dangerously out of control and possession of a banned breed. Both teenagers have since been released from custody.
A child is starting their summer holidays in hospital after being mauled by an XL Bully in Doncaster.
— South Yorkshire Police (@syptweet) July 22, 2024
The child, aged 10 who was bitten by an unregistered XL Bully remains in hospital as three are arrested in connection to the dog’s actions
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The police seized the dog at the scene, and it remains in police kennels. Chief Inspector Emma Cheney emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “This incident could have had a tragic ending and led to a fatality. We continue to urge people to stop thinking ‘it won’t happen to me.’ Owners need to step up and be responsible, understand your dog, their behavior, and keep everyone safe.”
Since December 31, 2023, it has been illegal to sell, give away, abandon, or breed from an XL bully. Additionally, as of February 1, 2024, owning an XL bully without a certificate of exemption has been a criminal offense. The breed was outlawed following accusations of being responsible for the deaths of 11 people in three years. These dogs are disproportionately involved in serious and fatal attacks.
All XL Bullies must be registered and muzzled when in public. Owners and their dogs face strict punishments without a certificate. Even registered dogs must be neutered by June 30, or by the end of 2024 if they are puppies, to comply with regulations.
It is estimated that between 50,000 and 100,000 XL Bullies live across the country. Owners of dangerously out-of-control dogs can face up to 14 years in jail, and their pets may be euthanized. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the responsibilities that come with owning such breeds and the severe consequences of negligence.