SOUTH Yorkshire Police have already seized more than 300 dogs so far this year, prompting officers to ask Barnsley pet owners to control their pets.
Emergency calls for dangerous dogs present a financial cost to the force every time they respond, often requiring officers from multiple teams to attend, as well as contracted kennel personnel who then transport, house and care for the dogs until action is decided. ( Following the initial emergency response, officers then carry out safeguarding checks and referrals for vulnerable people, progress the investigation into any criminal aspects of the incident and ensuring justice is secured.
So far this year, more than 300 dogs have been seized - most often because they were deemed to be dangerously out of control.
Chief Inspector Emma Cheney has asked local people to control their pets.
She said: “Each dangerous dog incident is a cost to the force. Each incident takes police officers away from responding to other incidents, it is resource intensive and, in some instances, could be prevented if owners would take precautions and stop thinking it won’t happen to me or my children.( “In addition to the police resources, serious incidents add a further pressure to our NHS colleagues, and in some cases, social services, and housing associations. ( “Please act.
“Please follow our advice, understand your dog and its behaviour, and seek help where necessary.
“No matter how long a dog has been part of your family, it can cause harm and injury.
“They are animals. ( “Animals can’t express things to us, but understanding their behaviour, body language, what is normal and not normal, can prevent injury.
“In certain breeds these signs may not be as obvious or easy to identify as others.”
