A five-year-old girl in Merseyside has been killed by what police describe as a pit bull terrier type of dog. But what should people do when confronted by what they think is a dangerous dog?
A five-year-old girl in Merseyside has been killed by what police describe as a pit bull terrier type of dog. But what should people do when confronted by what they think is a dangerous dog?
Ellie Lawrenson died of severe head and neck injuries after being mauled at her grandmother's house in St Helens.
Ellie Lawrenson died of severe head and neck injuries after being mauled at her grandmother's house in St Helens.
The exact circumstances of her death are unclear, but it would appear a small girl like her could do little to defend herself against a killer dog.
The exact circumstances of her death are unclear, but it would appear a small girl like her could do little to defend herself against a killer dog.
However experts say if an individual believes a dog could be intent on attacking them, there are ways to help to diffuse the situation.
However experts say if an individual believes a dog could be intent on attacking them, there are ways to help to defuse the situation.
KEY TIPS No sudden movementsPut hands in pocketsAvoid eye contactBack away but do not run awayChildren can accidentally provoke a dogNever try to break up two fighting dogs
KEY TIPS No sudden movementsPut hands in pocketsAvoid eye contactBack away but do not run awayChildren can accidentally provoke a dogNever try to break up two fighting dogs
"Standing still and put your hands in pockets because they like to get hold of something," says Madeleine Forsyth, a veterinary surgeon and non-practising barrister based in York. "A waving arm is an obvious target."
"Standing still and put your hands in pockets because they like to get hold of something," says Madeleine Forsyth, a veterinary surgeon and non-practising barrister based in York. "A waving arm is an obvious target."
Avoid eye contact because it is confrontational and it is always unwise to turn your back, says Miss Forsyth, so standing sideways and looking slightly away is advisable.
Avoid eye contact because it is confrontational and it is always unwise to turn your back, says Miss Forsyth, so standing sideways and looking slightly away is advisable.
If a dog does bite, do not pull away because that will tear the flesh, she says, but shout for help.
If a dog does bite, do not pull away because that will tear the flesh, she says, but shout for help.
"Hope there is someone with a breaking stick to introduce between the jaws.
"Hope there is someone with a breaking stick to introduce between the jaws.
"Anything will do that can be slid between the teeth at the side, but given the strength of the jaw and the leverage, it would have to be a very powerful bit of stick or it will just break."
"Anything will do that can be slid between the teeth at the side, but given the strength of the jaw and the leverage, it would have to be a very powerful bit of stick or it will just break."
No warning
No warning
Dog attacks are very rare, says Miss Forsyth. What is called "dominant" aggressive behaviour like barking is normal and does not make a dog likely to attack unless provoked.
Dog attacks are very rare, says Miss Forsyth. What is called "dominant" aggressive behaviour like barking is normal and does not make a dog likely to attack unless provoked.
More dangerous is "predatory" aggression which is unusual but means the dog can strike without any warning at all. And if a target like a person has been attacked once, the dog will seek out human targets again.
More dangerous is "predatory" aggression which is unusual but means the dog can strike without any warning at all. And if a target like a person has been attacked once, the dog will seek out human targets again.
WHO, WHAT, WHY? A feature to the BBC News Magazine - aiming to answer some of the questions behind the headlines
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Never run because the dog will always overtake you, says Stephen Lomax, a veterinary surgeon and barrister from Shropshire.
Never run because the dog will always overtake you, says Stephen Lomax, a veterinary surgeon and barrister from Shropshire.
"Move away slowly and don't make any sudden movements. And don't approach the dog.
"Move away slowly and don't make any sudden movements. And don't approach the dog.
"But the most important advice is never ever try to separate dogs having a fight because of the risk of accidental and serious injury."
"But the most important advice is never ever try to separate dogs having a fight because of the risk of accidental and serious injury."
A spokesman for the RSPCA said it is important to study a dog's reaction to you.
A spokesman for the RSPCA said it is important to study a dog's reaction to you.
"If it stiffens up, holds it tail high, snarls and stares at you then be on your guard. If it shows its teeth it may be safest to go no further, but don't turn and run - back away slowly."
"If it stiffens up, holds it tail high, snarls and stares at you then be on your guard. If it shows its teeth it may be safest to go no further, but don't turn and run - back away slowly."
And acting in a friendly and confident way will lessen their own fear, he adds.
And acting in a friendly and confident way will lessen their own fear, he adds.
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