13 dog attack reports in 48 hours as American Bulldog owner is mauled

An American Bulldog owner being mauled by his own pet was among the 13 dog attacks being reported to a police force in just 48 hours. 

The mutt left its owner a bloodied mess after he stepped in to separate the pooch and a pocket bully inside a home. 

He was taken to hospital after suffering deep wounds and lacerations to his face, neck, and head in the vicious mauling on Thursday afternoon in Sheffield. 

The bulldog was seized by officers and is currently being held in police kennels. 

In a spate of dangerous dog attacks, a loose XL Bully prowled and jumped up at a young mother walking home with her young baby in a carrier, leaving her fearing for her child's safety.

A grandmother and her grandchild were also attacked by another loose hound in the city, prompting South Yorkshire Police to issue a stark warning that someone will die unless dog owners 'step up'. 

It comes days after 10-year-old Savannah Bentham was mauled to death by her pet XL Bully that North Yorkshire Police said she had a 'close, loving relationship' with. 

Chief Inspector Emma Cheney, leading the work on dangerous dogs across South Yorkshire, said: 'Recently we have sadly seen another fatal incident in the UK of a dog causing death.

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'People think it won't happen to them, that their dog won't cause harm, but it can happen to anyone. 

'Any dog can cause fear and harm and owners who do not step up and prevent harm to our communities will not be tolerated.'

Speaking directly to owners, she added: 'You are responsible for your dog's actions, and we continue to put people before the courts.'

The police force bemoaned the financial cost and resources they incur for every response to a dog attack saying it took officers 'away from other calls'. 

As well as having to contract kennel personnel to transport and house the mutts, they also have to carry out safeguarding checks and investigate any criminal aspects to 'ensure justice is secured'.  

A spokesman for the force added: 'Separate from the investigative resources, the dogs seized during incidents must be cared for and kennelled until a decision is made.'

CI Cheney continued: 'We only have a limited number of resources, attending dangerous dog incidents takes officers away from other calls. If every owner steps up and makes small changes, we can make a difference.'

Savannah was killed by her pet pooch at the start of this month after being attacked by her pet at home in Malton, Yorkshire.

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Traumatic scenes - which saw the girl's mother running outside screaming 'my baby's dead' - unfolded in the sleepy Yorkshire village after Savannah had reportedly boasted to her pals: 'I have got a new pet - an XL bully'.

In a statement via North Yorkshire Police, Savannah's family said they were 'utterly shocked' and 'devastated', adding: 'We can't believe we have lost our wonderful girl who we love so much.'

They continued: 'We thank everyone for their support and kindness as we struggle to come to terms with our loss. We ask that our family's privacy is respected while we grieve for Savannah.'

The family live in a static caravan in a compound behind a shop premises in East Heslerton, North Yorkshire.

North Yorkshire Police said the girl had a 'close, loving relationship' with the dog that went on to kill her. The force said the mutt would be put down.