Two children savaged in separate dog attacks in Doncaster

The tot suffered facial injuries after being bitten by an American Bulldog, while the teen was attacked by a Cane Corso and Chow Chow – with armed police sent to the scene.

All of the dogs involved in the attacks have now been seized by police.

A South Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: “With more children mauled by dogs over the weekend, as 2026 gets under way, we are reminding owners and our communities that this problem isn’t going away, and you must act.

“Over the weekend of 9-11 January, we received 13 calls for dogs causing injury or fear across South Yorkshire, with two of those incidents leading to serious injuries to children.

“We will continue to educate and enforce against dog owners to protect our communities; we make no apologies for our efforts, but accountability starts with responsible ownership.

“Emergency calls for dangerous dogs present a financial cost to the force every time we respond, often requiring officers from multiple teams to attend, as well as contracted kennel personnel who then transport, house and care for the dogs until action is decided.

“On Saturday (10 January) at 12.43pm the ambulance service alerted us to their response to a one-year-old being bitten in the Hyde Park area of Doncaster.

“It is understood that a family dog, an American Bulldog bit the child while on the floor in their face. The child suffered serious facial injuries that required surgery.

“The dog was disclaimed and remains in police kennels.

“The following day, on Sunday (11 January) at 3.44pm officers responded to Dunscroft, Doncaster following reports that a teenager had been attacked by the family’s Cane Corso dog and Chow Chow.

“Armed officers were sent as a contingency as the attack was in progress. The dogs were able to be contained and seized. The dogs remain in police kennels.”

Firearms Inspector Steve Usher said: “These incidents are just a snapshot of the demand we continue to face and the innocent, vulnerable people suffering lifelong physical and mental scars from the lack of responsible dog ownership.

“It is a fact that these incidents could have been avoided.

“As officers questioned those at the scene of the baby being bitten it became apparent that the dog had showed aggression previously to the child.

"This is not okay, this is not a ‘one off’, or a ‘misunderstanding’ these are behaviours that need to be addressed, training to be given, lifestyle changes made to ensure no one gets hurt.

“The demand dangerous dogs are causing across our county is not going away. We make no apologies for our efforts in educating and taking enforcement action against those who pose a risk.

“As 2026 gets underway consider the routines, people visiting and other ways you can help keep everyone safe.”

To get more information on dog behaviour and the training available please visit the Blue Cross and Dogs Trusts websites.