Footage released as the plea for owners to control their dogs continues

Footage of a woman protecting her own pet and young child from a dangerous dog is being released to highlight the on-going problem of owners not taking responsibility for their dog’s actions - and the severity of what could happen.

Earlier this month, on Saturday 2 September, a woman was walking her dog along Richmond Road in Sheffield while pushing her one-year-old daughter in a trike, when an unknown dog violently approached them.

The dog, a Staffordshire bull terrier, had escaped its owner and began attacking the victim’s dog, which required treatment from a vet. The woman and her daughter both suffered superficial injuries.

The footage released shows how incidents involving loose dogs and those not under control can quickly escalate and lead to serious injury.

As our efforts continue to tackle the regional, as well as national, on-going problem of dangerous dogs causing severe injury, and in tragic cases fatalities, dog legislation officer PC Paul Jameson is urging dog owners to take action.

He said: “Your dog is your responsibility. If it attacks someone or causes fear in our communities, you are the one held responsible, you are the one facing prosecution, but your dog could also face being euthanised.

“If you know your dog can escape your garden, fix it. Build higher fences, put a lock on the gate, put up signage for people to be aware, and not enter.

“Keep your dog on a lead, and if you know your dog doesn’t like other dogs, walk it in quieter areas and not during busy times.

“Don’t be complacent, don’t think it won’t happen, don’t think you know your dog best. They’re animals – even the most relaxed animals in certain situations can be subjected to stress, which may cause a response born from fear. It’s an animal’s instinct and it’s our role to understand those situations, spot the signs your dog is giving you and remove them, or the stressor.

“Dogs think like dogs and it’s dangerous to apply human thinking to a dog’s behaviour.

“The same goes within your own home; teach your children from a young age to respect dogs, don’t let them climb or jump on them, ensure your dog has somewhere quiet to go that is their space, away from family life.

“Sometimes simple common-sense, low-cost changes can make the difference.”

The dog in the footage was seized by officers, but later returned to the owner with conditions and guidance to follow.

The owner of the dog is being processed through restorative justice for the harm caused to the victims.