Two people have been arrested after a Chihuahua puppy was mauled to death in a residential street by an XL bully dog.
South Yorkshire Police said firearms officers were called to reports of an XL bully that was out of control in Doncaster at 10.20am on Friday.
The force said a 22-year-old man and a 21-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of owning a dog dangerously out of control, following the incident on Charles Street in the Skellow area.
Police said the XL bully dog had reportedly escaped from a nearby property before attacking the puppy which was being walked.
The Chihuahua was taken to the vets where it was put to sleep and the XL bully was seized. It remains in police kennels.
Chief Inspector Emma Cheney said: “Over the Christmas and new year people will be out enjoying their days off, walking their dogs.
“As an owner you are responsible for your dog’s actions, whether that be within your home or a public place.
“If your dog causes fear or harm it will be you, the owner, who is held accountable and, in some cases, put before the courts.
“Irresponsible dog ownership is costing dogs’ lives and causing serious injury to members of the public and their loved pets. This will not be tolerated within South Yorkshire.
“Please think ahead this festive season, we see many people enjoying the bank holidays with walks in parks.
“Keep your dog under control, on a lead and if it becomes easily stressed, you may choose to walk your dog during quieter periods.
“Take the time to ensure your garden is secure and your gate locks so your dog cannot escape.”
Advertising, gifting and exchanging the pups will also be banned, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said.
The Government reminded owners that they can ask a vet to put their pets down and claim compensation.
From February 1, it will also be a criminal offence to be in possession of an XL bully in England and Wales unless you have applied for an exemption.
To qualify for an exemption certificate, owners must prove their XL bully has been neutered by June 30.
If the pup is less than a year old by January 31, they must neutered by the end of 2024, and evidence must be provided.
As well as neutering their animals, XL bully owners seeking an exemption must also pay an application fee, hold active public liability insurance for their pets and ensure the dogs are microchipped.
The measures were introduced after a rise in dog attacks over recent years.
Until 2021 there were about three deaths a year, but there have since been 23.
People with dangerously out of control dogs can be jailed for 14 years and banned from owning animals, and their pets can be put down.
