The woman who was killed by her American Bully XL dog after it ‘suddenly snapped’ has been photographed.
The 43-year-old, named locally as mother of two Joanne Robinson, died late Friday night at the site of the attack in Rotherham, South Yorkshire.
A 42-year-old man, her partner Jamie Stead, suffered serious injuries to his hands, face and abdomen while desperately trying to save her.
Joanne’s mother, Dotty Robinson, said her family was “totally disbelief and shocked,” adding, “I want everyone to know how loved she was.”
Speak with The sunshe said, “I just hope it was quick and she didn’t suffer too much.”
Ms Robinson said her daughter’s two dogs – Rocco, who was responsible for the deadly attack, and Lola – were destroyed on Saturday.
She described how Rocco was “bigger than a lion” but insisted the animals “were no problem.”
Mrs. Robinson said: ‘They were good dogs, they are not a banned breed and they were not dangerous. They weren’t related, but they got along well. I don’t know why they suddenly snapped.’
The granny-of-nine added, “It must have been the heat. There’s a saying about crazy dogs going out in the afternoon sun.”
Piles of cards and flowers were laid out outside the couple’s house, including a note from Joanne’s children Elle, 24, and Dillon, 19, that read, “Mom, I love and miss you.”
Neighbor John Allerton, 69, a retired miner, said: ‘It’s really, really tragic.’
Another friend said, “I’m devastated. She was a sweet lady. It’s a nice family.’
South Yorkshire Police said: ‘We were called to a property on Masefield Road in West Melton around 10:15 pm last night 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 fatally bitten and despite the best efforts of the rescuers, she was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.”
The house remained cordoned off Saturday as the investigation continues.
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