Bolton, England — A woman has been arrested after her dog allegedly attacked two children in a residential area of Bolton, sending both to the hospital and renewing public concern over dog control and safety in the community.
The incident occurred on Halliwell Road on January 5, when officers with Greater Manchester Police were alerted to reports of a dog attack involving a loose animal.
Children Taken to Hospital After Bite Injuries
Police said the dog was not under control at the time of the incident and allegedly bit two children. Emergency services responded quickly, and both children were transported to a local hospital for treatment.
Authorities later confirmed that the children have since been discharged and are recovering.
“We received reports of a loose dog biting two children,” police said, confirming the seriousness of the response.
Owner Arrested Days Later
On January 9, officers announced the arrest of a 47-year-old woman on suspicion of having a dog dangerously out of control causing injury.
Police confirmed the woman remains in custody for questioning as the investigation continues.
The dog involved in the incident was seized and taken to a kennel, where it is undergoing assessment by specialists.
Separate Dog Attack Reported the Same Week
The arrest came just days after another dog-related incident was reported elsewhere in Bolton.
On January 7, police said they received a call about an out-of-control dog that bit a woman on Wolfenden Street, near Rawsthorne Park.
The woman suffered minor injuries, and the dog involved in that case was also seized. One person was arrested but later released on bail pending further inquiries.
“The suspect arrested was not walking the dog at the time but is the owner and has a duty to ensure it is in control of someone responsible,” a police spokesperson said.
Investigators are still working to identify who was walking the dog during that second incident.
Police Confirm Incidents Are Unrelated
Authorities emphasized that the two cases are not connected and involved different dogs.
Despite the lack of a direct link, the close timing of the incidents has heightened anxiety among residents and sparked renewed discussion around dog ownership responsibilities.
Dog Attacks Under Growing Scrutiny in the UK
Dog attacks have become a major public safety issue across the United Kingdom in recent years, particularly following high-profile cases involving serious injuries and fatalities.
While police have not released the breeds involved in the Bolton incidents, national attention has focused on dangerous dog legislation — especially after changes involving XL bully dogs.
In December 2023, XL bullies were added to the list of prohibited breeds under the Dangerous Dogs Act of 1991, making it illegal to breed, sell, abandon, or transfer ownership of the dogs without proper exemption. By February 2024, owning an XL bully without an exemption certificate became a criminal offense in England and Wales.
Read Also: Doral Man Arrested After Speaker Theft Tip Leads to Marijuana Seizure
Dog Attacks on the Rise, Data Shows
Although the UK does not maintain official statistics breaking down dog attacks by breed, police data analyzed by the BBC shows a concerning trend.
According to that data, dog attacks in England and Wales have increased by 34% over the past five years, intensifying calls for stronger enforcement and public awareness.
Dog owners have a legal duty to keep animals under control at all times, police repeatedly stress.
Ongoing Investigation
Greater Manchester Police said the investigation into the Halliwell Road attack remains active. Officers are continuing to gather statements and assess whether additional charges may be appropriate.
Residents are being urged to report aggressive or uncontrolled dogs immediately, especially in areas frequented by children.
Do you think current dog control laws go far enough to protect the public, or should penalties be tougher for owners whose dogs cause harm? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
