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American bulldog killed: Hampshire police destroy 'dangerous' pet American bulldog killed: Hampshire police shoot 'dangerous' pet
(1 day later)
A "very large" American bulldog which bit four people was killed by police after evading capture in Hampshire.A "very large" American bulldog which bit four people was killed by police after evading capture in Hampshire.
Hampshire Constabulary put out warnings in the early hours that the 70kg (11st) pet was dangerous and on the loose in Bishop's Waltham.Hampshire Constabulary put out warnings in the early hours that the 70kg (11st) pet was dangerous and on the loose in Bishop's Waltham.
The force said later in a statement: "The dog could not be caught safely and had to be destroyed in the interests of public safety."The force said later in a statement: "The dog could not be caught safely and had to be destroyed in the interests of public safety."
Specialist dog units and fire crews also took part in the search operation.Specialist dog units and fire crews also took part in the search operation.
During this time police had warned the public not to approach what they described as a white and "very large dog".During this time police had warned the public not to approach what they described as a white and "very large dog".
The force's Facebook page received hundreds of comments after the animal was destroyed, prompting a spokesman to explain the reasons for putting it down. The force's Facebook page received hundreds of comments after the animal was shot, prompting a spokesman to explain the reasons for putting it down.
He said: "The dog had been voluntarily seized from the owner.He said: "The dog had been voluntarily seized from the owner.
"It had bitten four people and police were seeking a destruction order through the courts."It had bitten four people and police were seeking a destruction order through the courts.
"The dog escaped... because of the nature of the dog and the location it was found, it was not safe or practical to try to capture it."The dog escaped... because of the nature of the dog and the location it was found, it was not safe or practical to try to capture it.
"Therefore, with public safety being the overriding factor, the dog was destroyed.""Therefore, with public safety being the overriding factor, the dog was destroyed."
The police have not yet said how the dog was killed.