Mum, 43, dies after attack by family dog as partner suffers life-changing injuries
A mother-of-two has died after being attacked by her family dog.
The woman, named as Joanne Robinson, 43, died at the scene of the attack, a home on Masefield Road at West Melton, Rotherham, on Saturday night at around 10pm.
Her partner Jamie Stead, 42, was rushed to hospital with life-changing injuries to both arms, face and stomach, police said.
Local media has reported he was attacked after rushing to save her.
It is understood the dogs, named Rocco and Lola, were both American Bully XLs, a large breed known for their "loving personality", according to the Kennel Club.
Neighbours have described Joanne as a 'lovely lady' and a loving mum of two children.
Flowers and cards have been left on a garden wall at the family home by friends and well-wishers.
One tribute read: "To our beautiful angel up above. You will never be forgotten. Love you always.”
Joanne's mother, Dotty Robinson, said Rocco was "like a small horse", and Joanne had owned him and Lola since they were puppies.
“I am in total disbelief and shock. I just hope it was quick and that she didn’t suffer too much," she told The Mirror.
“I want everyone to know how well loved she was. She was born and bred in this village. They all know her and love her.”
The two dogs have been seized by police. Neither were a banned breed.
YorkshireLive understands the pets were American Bully XLs and the family's dogs.
South Yorkshire Police said: “We were called to a property on Masefield Road in West Melton last night around 10:15 pm when a member of the public stated that a dog had attacked him and a woman.
“Officers arrived with the Yorkshire Ambulance Brigade and found a 42-year-old man with a potentially life-threatening injury to one arm, as well as injuries to the other arm, abdomen and face.
"A 43-year-old woman was mortally bitten, and, despite the best efforts of the rescuers, she was sadly pronounced dead on the spot.”
Joanne's death comes after an American Bully XL killed Bella-Rae Birch, aged 17 months, in her own home in St Helens, Merseyside.
Police said the toddler was attacked a week after the family bought the dog.
Last month it was reported that a Bully XL mauled to death schoolboy Jack Lis, 10, in Wales last year.
According to the UK Bully Kennel Club website, the American Bully XL is a large breed, with males standing between 51cm and above. The Club says: "In spite of its considerable size, the XL is highly prized for not only its impressive stature, but also its gentle personality and loving nature.
"It is a recent breed, dating back to the 1980’s, and is regarded the distinctive build and height combined with a compassionate nature mean its popularity continues to grow."
