Latest news with #dangerousdog
BBC News
11-08-2025
- BBC News
Dog mauled to death during walk on Bristol Harbourside
A dog has been mauled to death while on a mid-afternoon walk along Bristol's Max, who was blind and weighed just eight kilograms (1st 3lbs), died after being attacked by a grey Pitbull-type dog at about 16:00 BST on Friday in Hanover Place, next to Bristol are investigating and Max's owners Charlotte Sipson, 32, and Joe McKenna, 34, have spoken out to warn others using the waterfront route about the "dangerous" dog, which left the scene with its owner after the attack. "I'm just so scared that this dog's still out there because the way that he came in and hit Max like a bus [...] he could do that to anybody," said Ms Sipson. Ms Sipson and Max had been walking with a friend and friend's newborn baby when suddenly the dog came "out of nowhere, like a bolt from the blue". "It went straight for Max and attacked him, clamped his jaws around [him] and wouldn't let go," said Mr McKenna, describing how Ms Sipson and her friend had been forced to fend the dog off, even attempting to prise its jaws it had dropped Max a few people attempted to apprehend the dog, before it began circling a group of small children. It was at this point, Ms Sipson said, that the owner - described as heavily-tattooed, white, in his 30s and about 1.75 metres (5ft 9ins) tall - appeared "out of nowhere". "He grabbed the dog by the scruff of the neck and fled the scene [...] didn't stop, say sorry or give any details - literally just kind of got [him] and ran," Mr McKenna said. "The owner's clearly not in control, clearly doesn't care," he added. "There was no collar, there's no lead on this thing - it's allowed to roam free and that's dangerous." "The harbourside is just not somewhere you would expect for this to happen and there's so many people walking their dogs with their families that I just think people need to be aware," Ms Sipson, who is also seven months pregnant, added. A number of people at the marina, as well as concerned passers-by, came to her aid at the time of the incident - with some attempting to follow the dog before it disappeared. Another witness who had parked nearby took Ms Sipson to the vets, while others offered describing what they had seen. 'Really quite graphic' "Everybody was so helpful [...] it was such a scary situation so I feel grateful that everybody stayed to help," Ms Sipson said. "It makes you feel like there are some good people in the world." Avon and Somerset Police is investigating the incident, with witnesses who have not already done so urged to contact the force. But even with the dog still on the loose, Ms Sipson and Mr McKenna are now having to come to terms with Max's loss, describing him as the "sweetest, calmest" dog and "happiest little chap". "The flashbacks of the actual attack are quite hard to deal [with] - I'm going to have to find a way to kind of compartmentalize it because it was really quite graphic," Ms Sipson said. Mr McKenna added: "Max had had cancer and he had diabetes he'd gone blind and he'd been through all of that - we were desperate for him to meet our baby which is due in November and now he won't get that chance."
Yahoo
09-08-2025
- Yahoo
Jail for woman whose dog bit police officer during commotion
A BRAMPTON woman who failed to intervene as her dog attacked the police officer who was trying to detain her partner has been jailed. Melissa Bell, 36, who wept and apologised as she stood in the dock of Carlisle's Rickergate court, had earlier pleaded guilty to owning a dog that caused injury while dangerously out of control, and obstructing a police officer. Prosecutor George Shelley described what happened. The female police constable who was injured had been sent to the defendant's Brampton home on May 6 after neighbours reported an altercation, during which a man – Bell's partner – was seen shouting from a window. It was after the officer went into the property and tried to arrest and handcuff the man that Bell put herself between her partner and the constable. 'She was preventing the officer from carrying out her duties,' said Mr Shelley. 'This lasted for several seconds and at one point the defendant pushed the male behind her so the officer could not get to him. 'There was a greyhound in the property, and, during the commotion, it bit the officer to the leg. The defendant continued to try to obstruct the officer and made no attempt to get the dog under control. 'The dog bit the officer a second time, after which the constable left the property.' The officer then called for support from colleagues. In her victim statement, the officer said what happened that day has had a lasting impact on her. She did not, she said, expect while doing her job, serving the community, to be confronted by an aggressive and volatile individual. She had been physically attacked by both the suspect and the dog, which she felt was used as a weapon. As a result she suffered physical pain, and needed a precautionary course of antibiotics and a tetanus injection. 'The psychological impact has been significant,' said the officer. 'Since the assault, I have found myself replaying the incident in my mind and it has affected my confidence in dealing with volatile individuals, particularly when I am working alone… 'This has left me feeling vulnerable.' Chris Toms, defending, said that the behaviour of the defendant's partner – who was yet to be dealt with in a court – was his responsibility. Bell had been heavily intoxicated and had no recollection of the incident. 'She accepts that she would have tried to put herself between the officer and her partner, but there is no allegation of violence towards the officer. "It was an offence of obstructing the officer.' Quoting from a dog expert's report about the greyhound, Mr Toms said he had concluded the greyhound had bitten the officer in a nervous attempt to defend its owner and it did not pose a danger to the public. 'She is struggling terribly,' said the lawyer, pointing out that Bell, of Moatside, Brampton, committed the offence while alcoholic, though she has since sought help from Recovery Steps. 'She's trying her best,' said Mr Toms, pointing out that Bell had avoided alcohol for days at a time. Weeping as she listened to the case outline, Bell apologised to the injured officer, and said that the dog had originally belonged to her brother, who died two years ago. Magistrates jailed the defendant for four months. They imposed a control order on the dog, which means it must be kept muzzled and on a lead whenever it is taken into a public place. When released, Bell must pay compensation of £300 to the injured officer, £85 costs, and a £154 victim surcharge. She will not, however, had to pay the dog's kennelling costs, assessed to be £3,054.
BBC News
04-08-2025
- BBC News
Bedale woman charged after dog bites man and officer
A woman has been charged with being in control of a dog that was dangerously out of control after a police officer and another person were Yorkshire Police said a man in his 60s was attacked in Bedale Market Place at about 22:50 BST on Friday, before a female PC was also injured by the animal near to the town's fire force said the Alsatian-type dog was later traced to Queen Annes Drive, off Firby Road, where it was shot "due to serious public safety concerns".A police spokesperson said a 64-year-old woman from Bedale had been charged in connection with the incident and is due to appear before York Magistrates' Court on 20 August. Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North
The Sun
02-07-2025
- The Sun
Cops want to KILL my 5-ft tall Tibetan Mastiff Simba after he ‘jumped' on my pal – he looks vicious but he's a softie
A DOG owner is battling to stop her beloved pet from being put down after it was seized by cops for "jumping at" one of her friends. Zoe Snodin, 39, was left stunned when police seized her giant Tibetan Mastiff, Simba, after he leapt at a woman - catching its teeth on her jumper. 13 13 13 Police have since applied to have the 50kg hound put to sleep, labelling it a "dangerous dog." Zoe claims her friend was left uninjured from the incident, which occurred in her garden in Fishlake, Doncaster on May 16. She also claims that her pal has not made a formal complaint to the police but it was referred to officers when the friend mentioned it to her GP. The mum of five claims Simba was being "overprotective" when the woman walked into her front garden unannounced. Now Zoe is raising funds to fight the destruction order and pay for another 'dog behavioural test.' She said: "Simba is just a protective dog. "He was just standing his ground until I arrived. "He has never hurt anybody and still hasn't - he is a kind and compassionate dog." Zoe added: "He must have felt threatened by the woman that's why he jumped up at her, though it was never malicious." She explained that he is a big animal, standing over five feet on his back legs, so can easily spook people. Moment biker woman riding with DOG strapped to her is pulled over by stunned cop - before making bizarre 'Temu' excuse Zoe said that as soon as she arrived back home, the canine was back to his relaxed, normal self. In a desperate plea to keep her pet, she said: "Simba is not just a dog – he's part of our family - we desperately want him back home. "This situation has been heartbreaking but I remain hopeful that justice and compassion will prevail." South Yorkshire Police said they are aware of an "alleged dog attack" involving a Tibetan Mastiff in the area and seized the dog whilst "enquiries progressed". 13 13 13 The incident took place earlier this year, after Zoe's daughter returned home from a party nearby. Isla, 11, was being dropped off by the friend who was also at the SATs party when the incident occurred. Zoe explained that she had heard Isla walk through the front door and asked her if she had said "thank you" to the lady for dropping her off - that's when she saw her walking down their driveway towards the house. She said: "When I saw the woman walking towards my home I knew Simba may decide to stand his ground before I arrived to greet her. "I ran outside whilst calling for Simba to let him know it was okay as I didn't want him to do anything silly. "He must have felt threatened by the lady and just jumped up at her and got his teeth caught on her jumper in the process. "He is a big dog so he would spook a lot of people." Zoe has claimed that by the time Simba knew the lady was okay to be on the property, she had already left and driven away. Zoe's property is surrounded by an eight foot fence where several 'beware of dogs' warning signs hang. She is also "wary" of people entering her property unannounced as she owns four other large breeds including two Cane Corsos, Kimba and Karma, a Mastiff cross Saint Bernard called Reeva, and a Rottweiler called Phoenix. She says the dogs are "extremely friendly" having taken part in several local "fun" dog shows but understands people may feel "intimidated" by their size. Which dog breeds are banned in the UK THERE are specific regulations in place that prohibit certain dog breeds from being owned or bred in the UK. So what are the illegal dogs in the UK and why are they illegal? Here's what we know. Which dog breeds are illegal in the UK? People tend to think of large, vicious dogs when they imagine being bitten by one. But the truth is that many types of dogs are known to bite humans, whether provoked or not. However, it's important to remember that just because a breed tends to bite humans, that doesn't mean that they all do. British law determines five breeds of dog are illegal to own, breed, sell or give away. These breeds are: XL Bullies Pit Bull Terriers Japanese Tosas Dogo Argentinos Fila Brasileiros The stay-at-home mum explained she called the woman over the weekend to "apologise" for Simba's behaviour and the woman agreed not to go to the police. But it wasn't until three days later that Zoe said she received a text from the lady saying she was feeling ill and developing a temperature and was to visit a GP. Zoe said: "The woman told the GP about what happened and they have a duty to inform the police. "Simba didn't scratch or pierce the skin so I don't understand how she could be feeling ill from the incident." Once police were informed, they visited the woman's house for a statement and to take images of her arm - which according to Zoe, she refused. They then investigated Zoe's property and sized Simba under the grounds of the Dangerous Dogs Act on May 25. The act prohibits or restricts certain types of dogs and makes it a criminal offence to allow a dog of any breed to be dangerously out of control. Zoe said: "It has been five weeks and we still haven't got Simba back. "The kids are devastated. "He did nothing wrong and I am stressed facing the prospect of losing him forever." She also said her five children Maddison, 16, Chase, 14, Isla, 11, Franky, 7, and Elijah, 4, are really "upset" Simba has been taken. 13 13 13 No criminal charges have been brought against Zoe but a civil hearing regarding the case is set to be brought to Doncaster Magistrates Court. Zoe is still waiting for a date for the first hearing which can take up to six months. The mum has also told that she had to pay £500 for Simba to have an independent behavioural assessment that was ordered by the police which she says he "smashed". Zoe said: "They have told me what a fantastic boy he is and he isn't a danger to the public. "I'm doing everything I can to prove I'm a responsible dog owner and Simba is a safe dog." Zoe is currently holding a crowdfund for a further dog behavioural test for Simba to aid his release. Zoe said: "All I want is Simba back home where he belongs, not stuck, frightened in a kennel. "I want to spread awareness to ensure this doesn't happen to any other dog owner." A spokesperson for South Yorkshire Police said: "We are aware of a report of a dog attack in which a Tibetan Mastiff is alleged to have attacked a woman in Kirk Lane in Doncaster. "This incident was reported to us on 19 May and following enquiries the dog was seized while enquiries progressed." Zoe is currently holding a crowdfund for a further dog behavioural test for Simba to aid his release. You can donate to Zoe's crowdfund here. 13 13 13 13
The Sun
23-06-2025
- The Sun
Moment armed police shoot and kill dog after child mauled and cop bitten in terrifying attack in back garden
THIS is the shocking moment police shoot dead an aggressive dog after it mauled a child and attacked an officer. The youngster was rushed to hospital with puncture wounds on both arms after the attack in Castleford, West Yorkshire, on Saturday. 4 4 4 Cops were called to a house on Middle Oxford Street after the horror attack on the child at around 2.20pm. Video released by West Yorkshire Police shows the moment police attempt to safely capture two loose dogs discovered at the address. While trying to sedate the animals, one of the officers was injured after being bitten by a "persistently aggressive" black dog. Armed cops were then called in to shoot the out-of-control pet. Footage shows the officer firing two shots at the animal, sending another dog sprinting across the garden. It was later secured and taken to police kennels. A 29-year-old woman was arrested and a man has been charged with being in charge of a dangerously out-of-control dog as police continue to probe the daylight incident. He is set to appear at Leeds Magistrates Court on 8 July. In a statement, West Yorkshire police said: 'Police were called at 2:20pm on Saturday to a report that a child had been bitten by a dog at an address in Middle Oxford Street. "The child was taken to hospital with puncture wounds to both arms. 'There were two dogs at the property and a number of measures were taken, including sedation, in attempts to safely secure them. "Enquiries were also made with local vets for assistance, but none were available. Moment cops taser 'aggressive' XL Bully after they tried to arrest owner 'carrying machete' in broad-daylight carnage_1 'A dog handler was bitten by one of the dogs, suffering injuries to a finger. "Due to the continued aggression shown by one of the dogs, it was despatched by a specially trained firearms officer. The other dog was secured and taken to police kennels. 'Levi Lynch, aged 25, of Hastings Crescent, Castleford, has been charged with the offence of being in charge of a dog which was dangerously out of control causing injury. "He is due to appear at Leeds Magistrates Court on 8 July. 'A 29-year-old woman was also arrested and has been released under investigation." Earlier this year The Sun told how a jogger was left so badly injured by an out-of-control XL Bully dog that she may never run again. Sophie Lindsay, 41, told how the beast charged at her with its head down, causing injuries the same as being hit by a car at 40mph. Her right leg was shattered in several places and had to be screwed back together with metal plates, nuts and bolts. 4
