A dog that mauled a mum-of-two to death in a horror attack which almost killed her boyfriend will be destroyed in the wake of her death.
Joanne Robinson, 43, is understood to have been pinned down by the jaws of her American XL ‘bully’ bulldog called Rocco after being seized around the throat inside her home after a night out visiting a pal.
Her frantic boyfriend Jamie Stead desperately tried to fight off the beast which is “bigger than a lion,” the victim’s grieving mum said.
He was mauled at the house on Masefield Road in West Melton, Rotherham on Friday night while trying to save his screaming partner.
He has undergone skin grafting for potentially life changing injuries to one hand and has suffered injuries to his other hand, abdomen and face.
Police have today confirmed that the bulldog remained in kennels, but was due to be destroyed following the tragic attack.
A South Yorkshire Police spokeswoman today said: “The investigation into this incident remains ongoing and at this time, no arrests have been made. The dogs remain in kennels but it has been confirmed that they will be put down.”
Joanne's heartbroken mum, Dotty Robinson, speaking outside the family home yesterday, said: “I am in total disbelief and shock. I just hope it was quick and that she didn’t suffer too much.”
Dotty urged dog owners to be extra vigilant of their pets during the UK’s blistering heatwave.
She pleaded: “Try to keep your dogs cool. Keep them inside and give them plenty of water. The heat affects them too.”
Joanne’s devastated son Dillon has paid tribute to his mum, who he described as his “best friend,” according to reports from The Star.
“She always knew how to make me laugh, wind me up and cheer me up all at the same time. She was the best Nannan to my kids and I’m honestly heartbroken she will never get to meet the third one on the way,” he said.
Many others have paid their respects on social media, calling Joanne a ‘wonderful lady’ and a ‘loving and caring woman’ who ‘touched so many hearts’.
The dog was not of a banned breed and it was understood that while only one of Joanne’s dogs carried out the attack, both would be put down.
Joanne was the third victim of the breed which has already killed two tots.
In March police confirmed that an American Bully XL killed Bella-Rae Birch, aged 17 months, in her own home in St Helens, Merseyside.
Police said the toddler was attacked a week after the family bought the dog.
Last month it was reported that a Bully XL mauled to death schoolboy Jack Lis, 10, in Wales last year. American Bully XLs are not a banned breed in the UK.
Police in Rotherham took the dogs away and the house has been cordoned off for a painstaking forensic examination.
Floral tributes have been placed on metal railings outside the house while neighbours have spoken of their shock and horror.
One heart-breaking message read: “To our beautiful angel up above. You will never be forgotten. Love you always.”
Neighbour John Allerton, 69, a retired miner, said: “It’s really really tragic.”
Another friend said: "I'm devastated. She was a lovely lady. They are a lovely family."
The police took away two dogs. One man, who said he was the couple’s son, said, “I can assure you that the dogs were treated well.”
South Yorkshire Police said of Joanne’s death: “We were called to a property on Masefield Road in West Melton last night around 10:15 pm when a member of the public stated that a dog had attacked him and a woman.
“Officers arrived with the Yorkshire Ambulance Brigade and found a 42-year-old man with a potentially life-threatening injury to one arm, as well as injuries to the other arm, abdomen and face.
“A 43-year-old woman was mortally bitten, and, despite the best efforts of the rescuers, she was sadly pronounced dead on the spot.” Today, the house remains cordoned off while investigations continue.
RSPCA is linking the the increase in Britons buying puppies during Covid to a surge in fatal dog attacks.
Reports from the Dog and Cat Behaviour Association show dog attacks increased by 54% between 2020 and 2021.
