Sheffield woman guilty of allowing XL Bully dog to run dangerously out of control
The pet had to be shot by armed police last December - after biting a pedestrian and menacing another
A Sheffield woman has been found guilty of allowing her XL Bully to run out of control last year, leading to it being shot dead by armed police.
31 year old Sophie Zaherali of Dykes Hall Road was convicted of allowing dog 'Ghost' to run loose in the Hillsborough area on December 7.
Police were called at around 1:10pm after reports of a woman being bitten on the arm in the Dunella Road area.
A second person walking their dog was also menaced by the animal.
The dog ran towards officers as they arrived on scene, leading to a decision being taken to shoot it to preserve the safety of the public.
Zahereli was also convicted of communications offences at Sheffield Magistrates' Court after sharing images online attempting to identify firearms officers.
Other charges of allowing a fighting dog to be in a public place without a muzzle or lead and public communication offence against a further officer were dismissed.
South Yorkshire Police firearms Inspector Steve Usher said: “Dogs are the responsibility of their owners, and they are the ones who will be held responsible for their animal’s actions.
“Sadly, in South Yorkshire, our officers have witnessed and attempted to save the lives of people mauled by their own animals. Everyone’s safety will always be our priority.”
Zaherali will be sentenced on December 16.