Armed police officers were called to Albany Road, Kilnhurst, Rotherham on Monday morning following a distressing incident where a ‘pocket bully’ dog overpowered a pensioner and fatally attacked a smaller dog, a shih-tzu. The elderly woman, who owned the shih-tzu, attempted to rescue her pet but tragically, the dog succumbed to its injuries shortly after. South Yorkshire Police responded to the scene and found the aggressive dog in a nearby property, successfully securing and confiscating the animal. Currently, the dog is under police custody in kennels while investigations are ongoing.
Chief Inspector Emma Cheney of South Yorkshire Police highlighted the dangers posed by irresponsible dog ownership, emphasizing the need for preventative measures to avoid such incidents. She expressed concern over the increasing reports of dog-related incidents, diverting crucial police resources from other areas of law enforcement. The police force has been receiving an average of five reports daily regarding dangerous dog behavior, with recent incidents prompting a stern warning against negligent dog owners.
The police force reiterated their commitment to addressing dangerous dog incidents, emphasizing that owners must be held accountable for their pets’ actions. Over the Easter weekend alone, authorities received 26 reports of dogs causing harm or instilling fear in the community. The rise in dog attacks across the UK has been a cause for alarm, with statistics indicating a significant increase in incidents in various regions, including England and Wales. Interactive maps have been developed to illustrate the areas most affected by dog attacks, revealing a worrying trend of escalating offenses over the years.
Notably, Cleveland Police reported a staggering 163% surge in dog attacks between 2019 and 2024, with other regions like Lancashire, Warwickshire, Lincolnshire, and Devon & Cornwall also witnessing a doubling of reported incidents during the same period. The data underscores the urgent need for responsible pet ownership and stricter measures to prevent future dog-related tragedies.