A 10-year-old girl has been taken to hospital after being attacked by an unregistered XL bully. 

Police were called to a property at Belvedere in Balby, Doncaster, just after 10am on Monday.

The dog had attacked the child aggressively in the garden of the house, dragging her head from side to side and biting her neck, causing serious injuries.

The bleeding was brought under control and the child’s injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

Owners of XL bullys are required to register their dogs under UK law and comply with strict rules after the breed was banned back in February.

Yesterday, a 37-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of possession of a banned breed of dog, allowing a dog to be dangerously out of control and child neglect.

Two teenagers, aged 13 and 15, were also arrested on suspicion of allowing a dog to be dangerously out of control and possession of a banned breed of dog.

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All three have since been released from custody, while the dog remains in police kennels.

Chief Inspector Emma Cheney urged owners to “step up and be responsible” in order to keep everyone safe.

“This incident could have had a tragic ending and led to a fatality,” she said.

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“We continue to urge people to stop thinking ‘it won’t happen to me’. Owners need to step up and be responsible, understand your dog, their behaviour and keep everyone safe.”

South Yorkshire Police also advised dog owners to walk their pets on a lead in public areas, stick to designated footpaths, supervise the animal at all times and remember not everyone likes dogs.

It comes as a woman in her 30s died after being attacked by a pet dog in Coventry.

West Midlands Police said on Monday they do not believe the dog was a banned breed.

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