A 47-year-old woman in Bolton, England, has been arrested after her dog allegedly attacked two children on January 5. The disturbing incident, which took place on Halliwell Road, is one of two recent dog attacks in the area, prompting renewed concern about dangerous dogs and public safety.
Dog Attack Sends Two Children to Hospital
According to Greater Manchester Police (GMP), officers were called to Halliwell Road after receiving reports of a loose dog biting two children. Emergency services quickly arrived at the scene, and both children were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. Thankfully, the children have since been discharged from the hospital and are now recovering at home.
The dog involved in the attack was seized by authorities and taken to a kennel for behavioral assessment. On January 9, GMP confirmed that a 47-year-old woman had been arrested on suspicion of having a dog dangerously out of control causing injury. She remains in custody and is currently being questioned.
Another Dog Attack Just Days Earlier
Just two days before this incident, on January 7, GMP responded to another dog-related attack in Bolton, this time on Wolfenden Street, near Rawsthorne Park. In that case, a woman was bitten by an “out-of-control dog” and sustained minor injuries.
Police confirmed that while the victim was not seriously harmed, the dog was also seized, and one person was arrested. However, the suspect in this case has since been released on bail as the investigation continues. GMP added that the dog owner was not walking the dog at the time of the attack but is still legally responsible for its behavior.
“We are still trying to identify the person who was walking the dog at the time of the attack,” a police spokesperson told PEOPLE.
Police Say the Incidents Are Not Connected
Though both attacks occurred in Bolton and involved loose dogs biting members of the public, GMP has confirmed that the two cases are unrelated and involve different dogs and owners. However, the close timing and similarity of the incidents have brought fresh attention to the issue of dog safety in the UK.
Dog Attacks on the Rise in the U.K.
Dog attacks have become an increasing concern in recent years. According to BBC data, there has been a 34% rise in dog attacks across England and Wales over the past five years. This has sparked serious debate around responsible pet ownership, public safety, and breed-specific legislation.
One particular focus has been the XL Bully breed, which was officially added to the Dangerous Dogs Act list in December 2023. As of February 2024, it became illegal to own an XL Bully dog without a proper certificate of exemption. Owners must also follow strict rules, including keeping the dog muzzled and on a lead in public. It is also illegal to breed, sell, or abandon the breed.
While the breeds of the dogs involved in the two recent Bolton cases have not been publicly confirmed, the incidents come during a time of heightened concern and increased scrutiny around dog ownership in the U.K.
