Four children attacked by family dogs - including XL Bully

Four children have been injured after being attacked by their family dogs including an XL Bully, police have said.

The four youngsters were attacked in Yorkshire last weekend - and officers are now urging parents to take action to protect their children. South Yorkshire Police said they receive between 140 and 185 calls every month for out of control dogs causing injury or panic, and these incidents are continuing to rise.

Dog Legislation Officer PC Paul Jameson said a 15-year-old girl was hospitalised after being attacked by an XL Bully. The dog had reportedly been aggressive in the past but nothing had been done about it.

Mr Jameson said: "Nationally, and within South Yorkshire, we are seeing an increase in dangerous dog incidents and the severity of the risk they pose to members of the public. Sadly, last weekend we have seen innocent children at the receiving end of these dogs’ violent capabilities.

"One incident, which hospitalised a 15-year-old girl, involved an XL Bully that has been reported to have allegedly showed aggression previously and has been left unreported, without intervention. We are not only urging parents to think about their own dogs and their children’s behaviour around them, but to also report concerns you may have around dogs in the community, especially where vulnerable people live.

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"We are not here to seize family pets, but we will intervene if the dog poses a risk and work alongside the owners, with partners and charities, to ensure the dog’s behaviour is addressed, and our recommendations are followed." South Yorkshire Police are also urging anyone visiting the home of someone who does own dogs to speak to their children about how to interact with the pet, reports Yorkshire Police.

The force recommends to always supervise your dog and children, encourage gentle stroking, but do not allow children to pull, grab or sit on dogs. It also says children should not be allowed near dogs if they are eating or sleeping, or if the kid is carrying items such as toys.

Officers added: "If you see that your dog is becoming worried or agitated, or a child is becoming frightened, then intervene and provide a safe space for each of them to have some time alone. If you have any concerns about a dog in the community you can get in touch with the police by calling 101 or reporting the information online. In addition, you can contact the charity Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555 111 or online."

Yesterday, a man died after a dog attack in Staffordshire, the West Midlands Ambulance Service said. Emergency services were called to Main Street in Stonnall just after 3pm on Thursday to reports that a man had been bitten by two dogs and left seriously injured. In a statement this morning, the ambulance service said the man did not survive the attack.

A spokesman said: "Upon arrival we found a man who had sustained multiple life-threatening injuries and was in a critical condition. Ambulance staff administered advanced life support and advanced trauma care to him at the scene.

"Treatment continued en route to Queen Elizabeth Hospital where he was conveyed by land ambulance for further treatment. Unfortunately, after arrival at hospital, despite the best efforts it became clear that nothing more could be done to save him (and) he was confirmed deceased."

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has announced the American XL bully dog will be banned by the end of the year as they are a "danger to our communities". The PM said it is clear this is not about a "handful of badly trained dogs but is a pattern of behaviour".

In a win for the Mirror's campaign, he said the government is "urgently working to stop these attacks". He has tasked experts to define the breed of dogs behind a recent spate of attacks this week with a "view to then outlaw them" and ban the breed under the Dangerous Dogs Act.

Outlining plans in a video statement posted to X, formerly known as Twitter, the PM said: "The American XL bully dog is a danger to our communities, particularly our children. I share the nation's horror at the recent videos we've all seen. Yesterday we saw a another suspected XL bully dog attack, which has tragically led to a fatality.

"It is clear this is not about a handful of badly trained dogs, it's a pattern of behaviour and it cannot go on. While owners already have a responsibility to keep their dogs under control, I want to reassure people that we are urgently working on ways to stop these attacks and protect the public.

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"Today I have tasked ministers to bring together police and experts, to firstly define the breed of dog behind these attacks, with the view to then outlawing it. It is not currently a breed defined in law, so this vital first step must happen fast.

"We will then ban the breed under the Dangerous Dogs Act and new laws will be in place by the end of the year. These dogs are dangerous, I want to reassure the public that we will take all necessary steps to keep people safe."