A pitbull dog was shot dead by armed police officers in Bolton after it injured its owner in a frenzied out of control attack on Tuesday evening.
Greater Manchester Police were called to a block of flats on Little Holme Walk at about 7.30pm following reports that a dog was behaving aggressively and biting people.
The dog was behaving so violently that despite their best efforts, officers and armed police were unable to contain it, or give medical attention to its owner who had been badly hurt.
As a last resort authority for humane destruction was granted and the animal was killed.
Inspector Nicki Tompsett said: “Clearly the destruction of any animal is not something we as a police force take lightly, and in this instance considerable efforts were made to control the animal.
“The decision was made to destroy the dog before anyone else could be hurt or the victim himself sustained further, life-changing injuries.”
Paramedics treated the dog’s owner for numerous deep puncture wounds to his left arm, wrist and hands and a possible fracture.
He was taken to Bolton Royal Infirmary where he waits for surgery.
Inspector Nicki Tompsett said this incident reinforced the dangers that dogs can pose to their owners and ‘innocent passers-by’, especially from those with aggressive natures.
However she also stressed that the ultimate responsibility lies with the owners: “Dangerous dogs are bred, not born, so it is incumbent on all dog owners to ensure their pets are well brought-up and friendly.
“Legislation is now in place to prosecute those who fail to control their dogs or breed them for criminal or violent purposes and we will enforce that legislation to protect innocent members of our community from being attacked.”
Under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 you can be fined up to £20,000 or sent to prison for up to six months (or both) if your dog is considered dangerously out of control.
This image does not depict the dog in question.
Image courtesy of DeeMo, with thanks.
