Horrific photos as Sheffield man savaged by pet American bulldog

A man suffered serious cuts to his face and neck when his American Bulldog attacked him in Sheffield.

South Yorkshire Police has released photos of the man's horrific injuries as they continue to highlight the amount of pressure dangerous dogs is putting on the force.

In less than 48 hours South Yorkshire Police said it received 13 reports of dangerous dogs in the community, including a man left with serious facial injuries and a woman left fearing for her baby’s safety.

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A spokesman for the force said: "As dogs causing harm and fear in our communities continues to place significant demand on our force, we’re urging owners to step up, before someone dies."

On Thursday November 14 at 3.22pm police were alerted by the ambulance service to a man who had been attacked by his own dog in Sheffield, police said.

The dog, an American Bulldog had attacked when the owner attempted to separate the bulldog and a pocket bully inside the property, according to police.

"The owner suffered lacerations to his face, neck and head, and was taken to hospital. The dog was seized and remains in police kennels," a police spokesman added.

Further calls to police included a woman walking home with her baby in a carrier on her chest, when she was approached by a loose XL Bully who began to show aggression and jump up to her baby, and an elderly woman and her grandchild attacked by another loose dog in Sheffield.

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.

“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.

“You are responsible for your dog’s actions, and we continue to put people before the courts.”

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.

Following the initial emergency response, officers then carry out safeguarding checks and referrals for vulnerable people, progress the investigation into any criminal aspects of the incident and ensuring justice is secured.

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.”

The photographs show the injuries caused by an American Bulldog.

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