Daily Updates with RF Rizwan Farrukh
A woman attacked by a dog in Lincoln has been left with severe injuries, which are described as “devastating”. Including having the skin on her head ‘ripped back exposing her skull’.
The dog, which is believed to be an American pit bull, is now in kennels and police have arrested its owner. After the attack, armed police and helicopter were arranged to search for the dog.
Lincolnshire Police Inspector, Michelle Mcllroy said, the victim, 22 year-old had suffered ‘life changing injuries’.
“She has also suffered deep facial gouges on her cheeks and injuries to her hand,” he added.
Dangerous Dogs
In the UK, Pit Bull Terriers, Fila Brasileiros, Japanese Tosas and Dogo Argentines are banned and it is illegal to own these types of dog. However, if a dog is classed as illegal under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991; this doesn’t depend on its breed or name, but rather what it looks like. The police and council dog custodians have the authority to seize dogs even in the absence of a complaint. After this, they judge its characteristics and decide whether to release it or whether an application should be made to the courts for it to be destroyed.
Owning a banned dog results in a maximum penalty of £5,000 fine and/or six months in prison.
Lincoln residents were warned to stay at home during the night-time search for the animal. A search was carried out by police near an old quarry off Outer Circle Road on the outskirts of the city on Sunday evening. Whilst the search, the area where the dog was thought to be; was controlled by police.
The injured woman was taken for treatment in Lincoln County Hospital.
Inspector Mcllroy said, “She has suffered quite devastating injuries. They are not described as life-threatening, but certainly life-changing.”
“It is quite unusual for an adult to be attacked by a dog in this way. We hear about small children being attacked, but it is unusual for an adult to be attacked,” he added.
Inspector Mcllroy also said that magistrates would be likely to approve a destruction order for the dog.
Police have also said that tests are being carried out on the dog to confirm the breed.
On suspicion of having a dangerous dog, which was out of control in public place; a 33-year-old man has been arrested. He is also going to be questioned on suspicion of disturbance after an accident involving police officers who were trying to seize the dog.
