Baby bitten on face by family's American bulldog

A baby has undergone surgery after being bitten on the face by its family's American bulldog.

South Yorkshire Police said the attack took place at a house in the Hyde Park area of Doncaster on Saturday.

The force said the one-year-old suffered serious facial injuries after it was mauled while on the floor.

A police spokesperson said the incident was one of 13 calls to the force relating to dogs causing injury or fear in South Yorkshire between 9 and 11 January.

In a separate incident, officers had to contain a Cane Corso and a Chow Chow which had bitten a teenager at their family home in Dunscroft, also in Doncaster.

All three of the dogs involved in the most serious attacks are now in police kennels awaiting further assessment.

In the case of the American bulldog, police said the animal had showed "previous aggression" towards the baby.

Firearms officer Insp 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 OK, this is not a 'one off', or a 'misunderstanding' - these are behaviours that need to be addressed, training 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."

The force has called for dog owners with young children to act responsibly by training their pets, providing areas in their home where animals can be separated from the family, and considering breeds that are appropriate for their circumstances.

They signposted owners needing support to the Dogs Trust behaviour helpline.

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