Dog owner sentenced after American Bulldog injures five-year-old boy
THE owner of a dog responsible for mauling a five-year boy that required hospital treatment in an incident police have called “every parent's nightmare” has been sentenced.
Appearing at Doncaster Magistrates’ Court on May 27 Dylan Wilcox (30) of Churchill Avenue, Maltby was sentenced following the incident in a park playground in Mexborough last year.
A spokesperson for South Yorkshire Police said: “On November 6 2025, a five-year-old boy was with his mum and entered Schofield Park Playground in Mexborough, when within minutes Wilcox’s dog ‘Buddy’ an latched on to the boy’s face.
“The boy’s mum, a member of the public and Wilcox thankfully managed to pull Buddy from him, but he sadly suffered injuries, including puncture wounds to his face and ears that required hospital treatment.
“Wilcox took Buddy and left the scene, but was later sighted by an officer on Wath Road, where he was arrested, taken to custody but provided a ‘no comment’ interview throughout.
“Buddy was seized and taken to police contracted kennels.”
Wilcox appeared before Doncaster Magistrates’ Court on April 27 and pleaded guilty to being the owner of a dog dangerously out of control causing injury.
On May 27 he appeared at the same court and was sentenced to four months in prison, suspended for 12 months, disqualified from keeping a dog for five years, ordered to pay the victim £500 in compensation and complete 15 days of rehabilitation activity.
A destruction order for Buddy was also granted, and given the risk he poses, he will be put to sleep, added the SYP spokesperson.
Leading the work on dangerous dogs across South Yorkshire, Insp David Cook said: “The lack of Wilcox’s responsible actions led to a young boy suffering physical and mental hurt, and a mum experiencing every parent’s worst nightmare.
“This incident could have ended very differently and is a stark reminder why we will not tolerate irresponsible ownership across South Yorkshire and everyday respond to reports of dogs causing fear and harm in our communities. We will take robust action against those who pose a risk.
“Do your part, keep your dog under control, or you will be held responsible.
“On average we receive five reports per day of dogs causing fear or injury in South Yorkshire, we continue to educate owners, take enforcement action and seize dogs where necessary.
“We work closely with the Blue Cross and Dog Trust charities, and free behaviour advice and training is available for anyone who has concerns about their dog.”