Shocking Rise in Dog Attacks Police Issue Urgent Warning After XL Bully Kills 10-Year-Old Girl
South Yorkshire Police have issued a stark warning following a series of alarming dog attacks, including a fatal incident and others that left victims with severe injuries. Chief Inspector Emma Cheney, leading the force’s dangerous dog initiative, emphasized the responsibility of dog owners in preventing harm, saying, “Any dog can cause fear and harm, and owners who do not step up and prevent harm to our communities will not be tolerated”, told the Sun.
The warning comes just over a week after 10-year-old Savannah Bentham was tragically killed by her family’s XL Bully in North Yorkshire. Officers reported that Savannah had a “close, loving relationship” with the animal, leaving her family “utterly shocked” and “devastated” by her death.
In Sheffield, a man was recently attacked by his American Bulldog after trying to pull it off his other dog, a pocket bully, during a fight. The man suffered serious injuries to his head, face, and neck, requiring hospitalization. The Bulldog has been seized and remains in police custody.
In another terrifying incident, a woman walking with her baby in a chest carrier was confronted by a loose XL Bully, which began jumping aggressively at the child. Separately, an elderly woman and her grandchild were also attacked by another loose dog in the same city.
South Yorkshire Police also highlighted the strain these incidents place on resources. Each dangerous dog callout involves multiple officers, safeguarding checks, and costly care for seized animals while cases progress to court. “We only have a limited number of resources,” said Chief Inspector Cheney. “Attending dangerous dog incidents takes officers away from other calls. If every owner steps up and makes small changes, we can make a difference.”
The region has seen a disturbing rise in dog-related attacks. In one recent case, horrifying footage showed a 47-year-old man being mauled by two escaped dogs—a Mastiff and a Cane Corso. He required surgery for bite wounds across his body. A 14-year-old girl was also attacked in the same incident.
Tragically, Savannah’s death followed other incidents involving family pets. A young girl was left with gruesome facial injuries after a Doberman lashed out when she tried to kiss it. Another four-year-old girl was attacked by two XL Bullys in a Sheffield park in September.
As the police call for responsible pet ownership, the emotional and physical toll of these incidents remains a harsh reality for the victims and their families.