Risk To Public “Low”After Forensic Testing Proves XL Bully Dog Was Shot By Police Before Escaping In Sheffield

Published by Robert L Senior Reporter on Monday 7th April 2025 at 16:15hrs

South Yorkshire Police have updated the public on the situation involving a loose XL Bully in the Hillfoot area of Sheffield, stating that the immediate risk to the community is now believed to be reduced.

The incident began on Friday, April 4th, following a firearms discharge at a property on Daniel Hill Street.

Upon entering the premises, armed officers encountered an aggressive XL Bully. In response, an officer discharged a firearm towards the dog, which subsequently fled the scene.

Forensic testing later confirmed that the dog had been shot and injured.
Over the weekend, police issued an appeal to the public for vigilance and any information regarding the dog’s whereabouts.

Extensive enquiries and searches were conducted in an effort to locate the animal.

In their latest statement, the force indicated that despite the initial concerns, they have received no reported sightings of the injured dog since the incident. As a result, they now assess the immediate risk to local residents as low.

While the immediate threat is considered diminished, South Yorkshire Police are still urging anyone with information that could assist in locating the XL Bully to come forward.

“We understand reports of an aggressive dog on the loose will have been concerning to local people, and we have been carrying out extensive enquiries and searches to find it,” a police spokesperson said.

“Following enquiries over the weekend, we do now believe the immediate risk to our communities to be reduced.”

They added, “We are still keen to hear from anyone who has information that can assist us in finding the dog, but believe there is no longer an immediate risk to local residents.”

Anyone with information regarding the XL Bully is asked to contact South Yorkshire Police.