The dog has been seized and placed in some kennels while investigations are carried out (Picture: Getty Images)
A three-year-old toddler has been mauled by his family’s pet XL bully.
The incident happened at a property on Monday in Doncaster, when the dog sunk its teeth into his face while he was trying to climb on the animal.
The dog was seized at 1.15pm and the boy was rushed to hospital for surgery.
The animal was seized by police when they arrived at the scene and has been kept at some kennels while they carry out an investigation.
Emma Cheney, South Yorkshire Police’s chief inspector, said the XL bully is a registered animal but it is still dangerous.
She said: ‘This family have acknowledged the change in legislation around the XL Bully and registered their dog, but this doesn’t remove the danger that these dogs pose and why the ban has come into place.
‘All dogs can be aggressive; they are animals, but some dogs have greater capability to cause harm due to their size and strength.
‘Children should never be unsupervised when with dogs, even family pets that you believe “would never hurt” your children.
‘A dog’s instinct to protect itself is to bite. Parents should ensure children learn to respect a dog’s space and be encouraged to have boundaries around feeding and resting times.’
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