Mum forced to fight off Staffordshire bull terrier to protect her baby daughter
**Warning: Distressing content**
Police in Yorkshire have released terrifying footage of the moment a mum had to fight off a rogue Staffordshire bull terrier as a warning to owners to take responsibility of their own dogs.
CCTV footage from 2 September shows the woman walking with her child - who she was pushing on a trike - and her own dog, before the staffy bolts into shot from a nearby house and makes a bee line for her dog.
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The woman can be heard screaming while her child bursts into tears as she tries to protect her family from the attack and lift her child away.
Thankfully, though, the dog's owner came running out and managed to get it under control by dragging the animal out.
Police are now urging dog owners 'not to be complacent' and to take responsibility for their dog's actions
Dog legislation officer PC Paul Jameson 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."
As a result of the attack, the woman and her child suffered 'superficial injuries', while her dog had to be taken to the vet for treatment.
Meanwhile, the staffy was later ceased by officers, but was eventually able to return to its owners so long as they kept it under control.
Police also said the owner was being dealt with through the restorative justice process.
Certain dog breeds are coming under increased scrutiny at the moment following the news that the XL Bully is set to be banned in the UK.
Announcing the controversial news earlier this month, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said the breed will be banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act, adding that new laws will be in place 'by the end of the year'.
Addressing the public in a video message, he said: “The American XL bully dog is a danger to our communities, particularly our children.
“I share the nation’s horror at the recent videos we’ve all seen. Yesterday we saw a another suspected XL bully dog attack, which has tragically led to a fatality.
"It is clear this is not about a handful of badly trained dogs, it’s a pattern of behaviour and it cannot go on."
Many have been opposed to the ban however, including the Dog Control Coalition - which is made up of RSPCA, Blue Cross, Battersea, Dogs Trust, Hope Rescue, Scottish SPCA, The Kennel Club and British Veterinary Association.
In a statement, it said: "The recent incidents are deeply distressing and our thoughts are with all those involved and affected.
“The biggest priority for everyone involved is to protect the public - but banning the breed will sadly not stop these types of incidents recurring.
“For 32 years, the Dangerous Dogs Act has focused on banning types of dog and yet has coincided with an increase in dog bites and the recent deaths show that this approach isn’t working.
"The UK Government must tackle the root issue by dealing with the unscrupulous breeders, who are putting profit before welfare, and the irresponsible owners whose dogs are dangerously out of control.
“The coalition urges the Prime Minister to work with them to fully understand the wide-reaching consequences of his decision to ban American bully XLs, which will have significant impacts on owners, the animal welfare sector, vets, law enforcement and the public.
“It is also critical that any policy designed to protect public safety is based on robust evidence and we are deeply concerned about the lack of data behind this decision and its potential to prevent dog bites.”
Chloe Jackson