UK
‘Bully-type’ dog tasered after attacking man and woman in Coventry
A “bully-type” dog was tasered and put in a wheelie bin after attacking a man and a woman, police have said.
The man – who is thought to be related to the dog owner – and the woman were taken to hospital after the “distressing” incident in Purcell Road, Coventry, just before 4pm on Thursday.
They suffered injuries that are serious but not life-threatening and the dog will now be “put to sleep”, Coventry Police said.
No arrests have been made yet.
The incident took place inside a flat but the dog then escaped into a communal area of the building, police said.
A spokesperson added: “Officers tasered the dog, which is believed to be a bully-type breed, and then placed it in a wheelie bin to ensure the public’s safety.
“We understand this was a very distressing incident for anyone who witnessed it and we will be having extra officers in the area to offer reassurance.”
The government has announced American XL bully dogs will be banned after a spate of recent attacks.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak vowed to ban the breed after the death of 52-year-old Ian Price, who was set upon by two dogs in Stonnall, Staffordshire.
Earlier this month, footage emerged of an 11-year-old girl being attacked by an XL bully crossbreed in Birmingham.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
XL bully crossbreed attacks girl and two men
The girl, Ana Paun, later told Sky News she believed the dog should be put down an its owner jailed.
In a sepate incident, a four-year-old girl was left with facial injuries after being mauled by an XL bully crossbreed.
Read more:
Why adding XL bully dogs to Dangerous Dogs Act may not work
Two XL bully dogs shot dead after killing 22 pregnant sheep
The Dog Control Coalition, which includes animal charities such as the RSPCA, Dogs Trust and Kennel Club, warned a ban would not prevent attacks – and instead urged ministers to tackle the “root cause” by dealing with “unscrupulous breeders” and “irresponsible owners”.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
‘Don’t bully our bullies’
Plans to outlaw the breed saw people protesting in central London with signs saying “don’t bully our bullies” and “muzzle Rishi”.
A Sky News investigation in 2021 found more than 1,500 dogs were destroyed after being detained under the Dangerous Dogs Act in the UK since 2019 – amid concerns many were being “needlessly euthanised”.