An “aggressive” XL Bully that was shot at by police before escaping the scene of a suspected crime has been cornered and put down following a week-long search.
South Yorkshire Police said the animal became aggressive after police were called to the scene of a suspected firearms discharge in Hillfoot on April 3. Armed police sent to a property in Daniel Hill Street, Hillfoot, loosed a shot at the dog after it showed signs of aggression, but it escaped the scene and into the city, triggering a major week-long search. Sheffield residents were asked to call 999 immediately if they spotted the dog, and it was discovered on Friday by police with grave injuries.
Police said they found a dog believed to be the same animal on Banks Hill Road at around 1.20pm on Friday, April 11, adding it was put down on the advice of a vet due to severe injuries.
The discovery followed warnings from police that the dog had “the ability to show aggression and cause harm”, with officers combing the city for traces of the injured animal for eight days.
Residents were acutely aware of the risks posed to the public, with one local Matthew Barber telling the BBC the “powerful dogs” could “kill a human without any problem”. A police spokesperson said at the time of the escape that the dog was shot as a necessary precaution, and that the decision was not “taken lightly”.
They said: “During what was already a challenging incident, and the risk posed, the decision was made to shoot the dog to progress finding a suspect and weapon and protecting our communities.”
After the dog was put down, the spokesperson added that its owner was informed and that it had been “disclaimed”, meaning they gave up their ownership.
South Yorkshire Police frequently deal with problem animals in Sheffield, with XL Bullies often making headlines in the city. In late March, the service said a Bully and mixed breed dog were shot dead by armed officers following reports that a horse was bitten in Rotherham.
The force later confirmed the incident was one of 18 involving dangerous dogs reported over just three days. After the missing dog was found on Friday, South Yorkshire Police Chief Superintendant Jamie Henderson thanked members of the public for “remaining vigilant”.
He said: “I would like to thank the public for remaining vigilant when this animal was loose.” The service confirmed that five people were arrested in connection with the firearms incident that led to the dog search, with two men having been charged with firearms offences.
Investigators continue to probe the circumstances following the reported April 3 firearms discharge.
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