27/12/2025
CHRISTMAS: Children, the elderly and adults bitten by dogs over Christmas period
Christmas should be a time of joy, but as the festive period continues, we’re seeing an increase in dog bites and urging dog owners and parents to act now.
Over Christmas (24-26 December) we have received 15 calls for dogs causing injury or fear, with children as young as two bitten in their home.
On Boxing Day (26 December) we received a call just before 3am that a woman in Barnsley had been bitten on her face by a German Shepherd Cross Dog. Her injuries required her to have plastic surgery.
As the day progressed, at 11am, officers were called to Sheffield after a two year-old had been bitten by an XL Bully.
Three hours later, officers deployed to Doncaster where a couple in their 70s were both bitten by a Belgian Malinois and required treatment for puncture wounds.
Three hours later again, officers deployed to Sheffield after a child presented at hospital after having their thumb partially amputated by a Staffordshire Bull Terrier family dog.
The dogs involved in these incidents have since been seized.
These are just a ‘snapshot’ of the demand we have been facing due to dangerous dogs over Christmas.
We are urging you to act. Gatherings in your home, new toys, loud noises, the excitement from children can be overwhelming for dogs, and cause them stress or to act in a manner that wouldn’t usually be their character.
Any dog has the ability to bite, cause injury or fear- do not think it won’t happen to you or in your home.
To keep everyone in your family safe, please remember:
🧒 Never leave children and dogs unattended
🐕 Make sure your dog has somewhere safe and comfortable to go to when you have visitors
🏠 As your family grows and your children become older, changes in your house may need to be made. As children become more mobile, consider stair gates to separate your dog and child
If you are concerned about your dog’s behaviour, free help is available from the Dog’s Trust- https://orlo.uk/fNVBu
More information about training and guidance can be found on the Blue Cross website- https://orlo.uk/Pj1mj
