Unregistered XL bully attacks 10-year-old girl
A 10-year-old girl has been seriously wounded after being mauled by an unregistered XL bully.
A shocking photograph published by police shows the girl’s cuts after her head was seized and swung “side to side” by the dog while she was playing in her garden.
South Yorkshire Police said they were called to a property in Balby, Doncaster, on Monday after reports of the attack.
The dog, from a neighbouring property, “aggressively ragged” the child’s head which caused “serious laceration injuries”, the force said.
Her injuries are not believed to be life-threatening but she remains in hospital, a spokesman said.
A woman, 37, was arrested on suspicion of possession of a banned breed of dog and allowing a pet to be dangerously out of control and child neglect.
Two teenagers, aged 13 and 15, were arrested on suspicion of allowing the pet to be dangerously out of control and possession of a banned breed of dog.
They have since been released from police custody and the dog was seized and remains in police kennels.
Chief Inspector Emma Cheney said: “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 behaviour and keep everyone safe.”