A newborn baby was savaged by their family's pet XL Bully during their first meeting at a property in Doncaster. Emergency services were called shortly before 8pm on Sunday, February 8, with South Yorkshire Police officers arresting a man and a woman on suspicion of child neglect.
The man remains in police custody, while the woman has been bailed pending further enquiries. The infant sustained minor injuries from the bite and has since been treated.
Police have issued a warning to parents about the dangers of introducing dogs to new babies. A force statement said: 'When a new baby arrives, life changes for everyone in the home, and that includes the dogs and other animals living there. Plans and changes must be put in place to protect everyone.'
Inspector Steve Usher, from the force's dog legislation team, said: 'No matter the breed, size or temperament of your dog, it can bite, attack and cause serious injury or even death. While all dogs have the ability, we know that those of a certain breed and size can cause greater harm due to their capability.'
He added: 'This isn't about blaming breeds – it's about dog owners and parents realising it could be your child and you facing the consequences and we fear it's only a matter of time before someone is killed if people don't act.'
