Over 1,000 injured by dangerous dogs in South Yorkshire in 2025 including 326 children
77 children under the age of 5 were hurt by dogs - according to new figures
Over 1,000 people were injured by dangerous dogs in South Yorkshire in 2025, including 326 children.
That's according to new stats from South Yorkshire Police, which also show 77 kids aged under 5 were hurt by dogs, including 11 aged under 12 months.
Senior officers say they fear it is only a 'matter of time' before someone loses their life in an attack.
Just last week two children were seriously injured by an attack involving a dog.
Inspector Steve Usher, leading the work on dangerous dogs for South Yorkshire Police said: “We continue to say it, something must change. Owners, parents and our communities must act.
“We’ve seen comments and replies left for us on social media suggesting that we intentionally target dogs, their actions and certain breeds – but that couldn’t be further from the truth.
“If nearly 2,000 homes in your community were burgled, you’d expect to be told, and you’d want the chance to protect yourself.
"The threat dogs pose to us is no different. A crime is a crime, and any threat to innocent or vulnerable people in our community will not be tolerated.
“We make no apologies for our work to educate and enforce to create a safer South Yorkshire.
“The majority of dog owners are responsible and want the best for their pet and family, but there is also a minority who pose a great risk to innocent people, including their own families and other dogs. Do your part.
“Everyone thinks it won’t happen to them, that their dog wouldn’t hurt anyone, but any dog, of any breed has the ability to cause harm.
“We will never know how many bites or injuries owners’ actions have prevented but we are thankful for those who put measures in place; teaching children how to interact with dogs, respect their boundaries, being responsible while out walking, it all makes a difference.
“Emergency calls for dangerous dogs present a financial cost to the force every time we respond, often requiring officers from multiple teams to attend, as well as contracted kennel personnel who then transport, house and care for the dogs until action is decided.
“If every owner steps up and makes small changes, we can make a difference.”