The same year there was the tragic case of John-Paul Massey, a four-year-old who died at his grandmother's house in Liverpool after suffering "massive injuries" inflicted by a pit bull, a breed banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act.
Eight-day-old Harry Harper died from a head injury last November after being bitten by a dog in Ketley, Telford. A post-mortem examination concluded the cause of death was a "significant" head injury, caused by the family Jack Russell.
Earlier in March, a pit bull-type dog mauled five police officers during a raid in Newham, east London. All five officers needed hospital treatment for leg and hand wounds.
A woman who approached a dog in Falmouth, Cornwall, after being concerned for its welfare was viciously attacked and required surgery to her leg last June.
The 19-year-old called police from her car to report the tan-coloured Staffordshire bull terrier had bitten her and was attempting to chew its way into her car.
Last month a police dog injured four people, including a 13-year-old girl, after escaping from its kennel. The teenager was taken to hospital for treatment after being bitten on her arm and leg by the German Shepherd-type dog in Glossop.
The Government has announced that microchipping will become compulsory and dog owners will also face prosecution if an animal attacks anyone in their home.
(Telegraph UK - Mar 27, 2013)
