The attack took place against another XL bully after the owners had refused to follow a court order to ‘destroy’ the dog after finding it unregistered.

XL Bullies were previously added to the list of banned dogs under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 last year following a rise in violent and fatal dog attacks.

The first phase of this act meant that all owners of the breed would have to register their dogs for exemption and breeding the dogs was officially discouraged. 

The dog had previously been in police kennels but the decision to destroy the dog was appealed by the owner, allowing it to be returned home. 

After the attack, the owner was reportedly afraid for the safety of her young children, and fearing that she made the wrong choice returning her dog home. 

Chief Inspector Emma Cheney, who is leading the work on dangerous dogs in South Yorkshire, said: “To support us, we continue to urge owners to be vigilant and aware of your dogs, their characteristics and understand that just because your dog has been returned to you, does not label them as safe. As with any dog, you need to take precaution and be realistic about your dog’s ability to cause harm.”

The ban on the breed, XL bully, was furthered in February this year with it becoming illegal to own an XL Bully unless issued with an exemption certificate. 

Owners must now make sure that their dogs are neutered, micro chipped and muzzled when in public. 

This comes after another dog attack was reported in South Yorkshire last week, when a 16 year old girl was bitten by what was thought to be an unleashed German Shepherd who was with its owner. 

The police have also mentioned the cost to the taxpayer of housing and veterinary bills to destroy these dangerous dogs.

There has, however, been a reduction in the number of serious injuries caused by dogs in South Yorkshire recently, following on from the ban.

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