An out-of-control German Shepherd attacked a pensioner on Sunday morning and police are still hunting for its owner.
The dog was running loose when it bit the 77-year-old man on the arm in Intake, near Doncaster.
The canine was subsequently seized in the street by officers from South Yorkshire Police, but now the hunt is on to track down the owner of the animal.
The incident occurred at roughly 8am and as yet, police have still not located those people responsible for the dog.
Anyone with information is asked to call South Yorkshire Police on 101 and quote incident number 752 of May 22.
Under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, introduced by the then Home Secretary Kenneth Baker and amended in 1997, it is illegal for a dog to be out of control or to bite or attack someone in a public place, in a private place like a neighbour’s garden, and even in the owner’s home. The legislation also makes it an offence if a person is worried or afraid (the term is 'reasonable apprehension') that a dog may bite them.
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So it's important to ensure that dogs are kept under control at all times and in all places. Legal action can be taken against the dog’s owner.
Prior to the Act, there were no criminal penalties for injuries or deaths caused by dog attacks. This law now applies to all dogs and not just dangerous ones.
Penalties for out-of-control dogs include an unlimited fine and up to six months in prison, while you will not be permitted to own a dog in the future. Your canine may also be destroyed.
If you let your dog injure someone you can be sent to prison for up to five years or fined. Or indeed you could face both punishments.
