Elderly woman 'savaged' by dog in Rotherham
South Yorkshire Police are asking owners to "do their part".
An elderly woman has been hospitalised and almost lost a limb after she was attacked by a pocket bully in Rotherham.
"There is blood everywhere, she’s in a bad way"- were the pleas of a caller to South Yorkshire Police.
In a press release on their website, the force said, "The pressure and demand of dogs being dangerously out of control in our communities continues, and as we do all we can to prevent a fatal attack, owners are reminded responsibility starts with you."
Earlier this week- on Wednesday 21st May- response officers attended reports of a dog 'savaging' (as South Yorkshire Police put it) a woman in Whiston.
Local residents ran to the woman’s screams for help and contained the dog prior to officers’ arrival.
The woman suffered serious injuries and was taken to hospital where she required reconstruction surgery.
Leading the work on dangerous dogs in South Yorkshire, Chief Inspector Emma Cheney said: “You are more likely to be bitten by a dog in your own home, that is known to you, that is a fact.
“Every dog can cause harm but certain breeds of greater strength and those with a greater innate aggressive nature cause greater harm, and the size, breed and nature of a dog must be considered when becoming a dog owner.
"You need to think, does this dog suit my life?
"You also need to consider who you ask to look after it.
“The outcome in this case could have been very different.”
So far this year, South Yorkshire Police have launched over 530 investigations into dangerous dogs, with over 300 people suffering injuries.
Of those, 29 victims have been under five years old.
Ch Insp Cheney continued: “We are doing all we can to prevent someone dying as a result of a dog attack.
“We can’t be everywhere, responsibility and action starts with the owners.
“Do your part.”
The dog was seized and remains in police kennels.