A mum was mauled by a dog in front of her own child as she tried to protect the family pet, say police.
The unnamed woman was attacked at Silverwood Nature Reserve in Rotherham, South Yorkshire.
She was walking her dog with her child last Wednesday (May 31) between 9.30am and 9.34am between Hollings Lane, Thrybergh and Woodlaithes Village.
The pair were approached by another dog being walked off its lead.
The dog then reportedly attacked the victim's pet and she attempted to intervene.
The other dog then bit her hand and she suffered puncture wounds.
The owner struggled to control the dog and the victim fled the scene. The dog is described as a Cane Corso or Great Dane and was white with black spots.
It is believed the dog was named 'Spot'.
The owner was white, in his 50s to early 60s with white/grey hair.
South Yorkshire Police say he was wearing a navy blue anorak, combat trousers and brown boots.
South Yorkshire Police said: "On May 31 between 9:30am and 9:45am it is reported that a woman and her young child were walking their dog between Hollings Lane, Thrybergh and Woodlaithes Village when they were approached by an unknown dog who was being walked off its lead.
"The dog is alleged to have attacked the victim’s dog, and as she attempted to intervene she suffered puncture wounds to her hand.
"The owner is believed to have struggled to gain control of his dog, during which the victim has fled the scene.
"The dog is described as being similar to a Cane Corso or Great Dane, white with black spots, believed to be named ‘Spot’.
"The owner is described as white, aged in his 50s to early 60’s with white/grey hair. He was wearing a navy blue anorak, combat trousers and brown boots.
"Officers are working extremely hard across South Yorkshire to ensure that action is taken against dogs and their owners who are a concern to our communities.
"Early intervention can reduce the dog causing distress or serious injury to further victims.
"We are keen to hear from anyone who may have information about the dog or its owner. If you can help please report it online, via live chat or by calling 101 quoting incident number 268 of May 31 2023."
