South Yorkshire Police are calling on dog owners to exercise greater responsibility after a child was injured by a loose dog in Sheffield last week.

The incident happened on 3 October, a father and his daughter were walking along Catherine Road when a pocket bully dog ran from its owner and bit the child.

The child suffered injuries to her shoulders, and the father was also injured while intervening to protect his daughter while the dog’s owner reportedly retrieved the pet and left the scene.

Police have seized the dog believed to be involved, which is now being held in police kennels as part of an ongoing investigation.

A spokesperson for South Yorkshire Police said: “The majority of dog attacks and bites can be avoided. Understanding your dog, taking action, putting boundaries and routines in place, and being a responsible owner all reduce the chance of your dog injuring someone.”

Inspector Steve Usher of South Yorkshire Police’s Dangerous Dogs Team said incidents of dogs causing harm or fear are placing unprecedented demand on officers.

He said: “Every day we receive on average five calls to report of dogs causing fear or harm in South Yorkshire.

Responding to these incidents takes officers away from other frontline duties and can ultimately be avoided.”

Authorities stressed that dog owners are legally accountable for their pets’ actions.

To reduce risks, police advise keeping children and dogs supervised, walking dogs on leads in public, ensuring pets are microchipped and collared, and understanding a dog’s behaviour before planning routes or interactions.

The police also encourage owners concerned about their dog’s behaviour to seek help, noting that free guidance is available through organisations like the Dogs’ Trust.