Two children seriously injured as police called to 13 dangerous dog incidents across South Yorkshire
A one year old and a teenager were attacked during separate incidents in Doncaster over the weekend
Two children have suffered serious injuries after being mauled by dogs in separate incidents over the weekend in Doncaster
South Yorkshire Police say they responded to 13 calls concerning dangerous dogs over the weekend of Friday 9 to Sunday 11.
On Saturday at 12.43pm the ambulance service alerted police to a one-year-old child being bitten in the Hyde Park area of Doncaster.
The child suffered serious facial injuries after being bitten by the family’s American Bulldog while on the floor.
The injuries required surgery, and the dog was seized and remains in police kennels.
On Sunday, January 11, at 3.44pm, officers attended a property in Dunscroft following reports of a teenager being attacked by the family’s Cane Corso and Chow Chow dogs.
Armed officers were deployed and both dogs were seized.
Commenting on the incidents, South Yorkshire Police Inspector Steve Usher said:
“These incidents are just a snapshot of the demand we continue to face and the innocent, vulnerable people suffering lifelong physical and mental scars from the lack of responsible dog ownership.
“It is a fact that these incidents could have been avoided.
“As officers questioned those at the scene of the baby being bitten, it became apparent that the dog had shown aggression previously to the child.
"This is not okay, this is not a ‘one off,’ or a ‘misunderstanding.’ These are behaviours that need to be addressed, training to be given, and lifestyle changes made to ensure no one gets hurt.
“The demand dangerous dogs are causing across our county is not going away. We make no apologies for our efforts in educating and taking enforcement action against those who pose a risk.
“As 2026 gets underway, consider the routines, people visiting, and other ways you can help keep everyone safe.”