Warning after series of dog attacks on children over just two days leave three with horror injuries

  • GRAPHIC WARNING: Readers may find images upsetting 

Three children have been left with horror injuries after a spate of dog attacks in the same county in just two days.

A 16-year-old girl was rushed to hospital for reconstructive surgery after being mauled by a Cane Corso at a property in Rossington, South Yorkshire, on January 29.

Police have released a shocking photo shows piece of skin hanging off her body following the attack. 

The dog was destroyed at the scene by firearms officers, with permission from the owner.

In nearby Sheffield, a six-year-old girl was left with facial puncture wounds after being attacked by a Pocket Bully at 1.17pm on January 31.

Just five hours later in Thorne, near Doncaster, a seven-year-old boy was mauled by a Pit Bull and suffered puncture wounds.

Both children were taken to hospital and both dogs were seized but they currently remain in police kennels.

South Yorkshire Police say they launched 347 dangerous dog investigations involving children under 15 in 2024.

Police have released a shocking photo shows piece of skin hanging off a 16-year-old girl following an attack by a Cane Corso

Police have released a shocking photo shows piece of skin hanging off a 16-year-old girl following an attack by a Cane Corso

The dog was destroyed at the scene by firearms officers, with permission from the owner. Picture: Stock image of a Cane Corso

The dog was destroyed at the scene by firearms officers, with permission from the owner. Picture: Stock image of a Cane Corso

In nearby Sheffield, a six-year-old girl was left with facial puncture wounds after being attacked by a Pocket Bully

In nearby Sheffield, a six-year-old girl was left with facial puncture wounds after being attacked by a Pocket Bully

Just five hours later in Thorne, near Doncaster, a seven-year-old boy was mauled by a Pit Bull and suffered puncture wounds

Just five hours later in Thorne, near Doncaster, a seven-year-old boy was mauled by a Pit Bull and suffered puncture wounds

 Chief Inspector Emma Cheney said: 'You are more likely to be bitten within a home by a familiar dog than anywhere else, and children under the age of seven are more likely to be attacked as they are unable to understand a dog's display of warning signs.

'The demand dangerous dogs continue to place on our force is unprecedented and within one 48-hour period we have sadly seen children suffer the painful consequences of dog attacks.

'We are committed to protecting the public and our work with the NHS, organisations and charities continues to prevent attacks and safeguard those in proximity to dogs, but owners must step up, parents must step up.

'Simple changes to your dog's routine, or conversations with your children about respecting your dog's space can be the difference between life and death.'

Advice issued by police following spate of dog attacks
  • Never leave children and dogs unattended 
  • Make sure your dog has somewhere safe and comfortable to go to when you have visitors 
  • As your family grows and your children become older, changes in your house may need to be made. 
  • As children become more mobile, consider stair gates to separate your dog and child

Source: South Yorkshire Police