POLICE in Barnsley are trying to find the owners of an Akita dog that was shot and killed by officers at the weekend after it bit a member of the public.
Police were called at around 3.15pm on Sunday (January 15) to New Street in Darfield, following reports that a dog - a brown and white Akita - had bit a 37-year-old man, causing serious injuries to his hand and arm.
Specialist dog handlers were sent to the scene to attempt to capture the dog.
It is understood the dog became aggressive towards officers, and police say it posed a significant risk to other members of the public.
Authorisation was given to firearms officers to shoot the dog.
A police spokesperson said: "The dog had no identification details and the owners still have not come forward. The Akita was wearing a choker chain style collar at the time of the incident.
"Anyone with further information should call 101 or email enquiries@southyorks.pnn.police.uk quoting incident number 647 of January 15 2017."
