A MAN HAS died after being attacked by a dog in Huddersfield in England.
It is understood that David Ellam (52) was trying to protect his own Yorkshire Terrier when the larger dog turned on him.
The dog who attacked him was seized by police in June on suspicion it was a banned pit bull breed, but had been returned to its owner last Wednesday.
Shortly before 10am yesterday, police received a call reporting that a man had been attacked by a dog in the Sheepbridge area of Huddersfield.
Officers attended at the scene and found Ellam with serious injuries. He was treated by paramedics and taken to Huddersfield Royal Infirmary, where he was pronounced dead at 9pm.
Detective Chief Inspector Mark Swift, who is leading the investigation, said: “Clearly our thoughts go out to the family at this tragic time. They are understandably devastated by what has happened and are being supported by specially-trained officers.
Our investigation is continuing. We believe that the victim was out with his own dog at the time of the attack near to his home address on Riddings Road. His dog, a Yorkshire Terrier, was also injured during the incident and received emergency veterinary care.
Carol Hanson, a friend of Ellam, told BBC News: “We’re lost for words, just devastated.”
The suspect dog was detained in kennels by police.
Arrest
The dog’s owner, a 29-year-old man, was arrested after the incident. He has been released on bail, pending further enquiries.
In June, a dog warden visited the address after concerns were raised by members of the public about the dog. A referral to police was made following concerns the dog may be a dangerous breed.
As a result, the dog was seized by police. Following a screening, it was determined the animal was not a banned breed under the Dangerous Dogs Act. The dog was returned to its owner on 8 August.
A referral is being made to the Independent Police Complaints Commission.
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