A terrifying attack unfolds in Hamilton, South Lanarkshire, leaving two injured and a menacing dog dead

A horrifying incident occurred in Hamilton, South Lanarkshire, as a dog known as Zeus, believed to be an XL Bully, attacked its owner and a bystander. The victim, Michael McCafferty, endured a prolonged attack, screaming for help for 15 minutes while the dog’s jaws were clamped on his leg.

The shocking incident was captured on CCTV, revealing the sudden shift in the dog’s behavior. Just moments before the attack, Zeus had been happily wagging its tail and seeking treats from a local shop. However, chaos ensued as the dog turned aggressive during a walk with its owner and McCafferty’s partner.

McCafferty recalled the horrifying ordeal, stating, “I was screaming for help. My girlfriend grabbed the dog by the back legs, all while the dog was still attached to my leg.” The severity of the situation escalated to the point where police had to intervene.

The owner, who had brought Zeus from England to Scotland following the dog ban, also suffered lower limb injuries. Attempts were made to stop the attack, including throwing a knife to the owner for self-defense. Despite these efforts, Zeus persisted in the assault.

Armed police arrived at the scene, attempting to subdue the aggressive dog. A Taser was deployed, but when Zeus redirected its aggression towards a police officer, it ultimately led to the dog being shot dead. The dramatic turn of events shocked witnesses, with one describing the distressing scene, “The first 2 shots didn’t take him out. It was awful to witness, but I know why they had to do it. If he hadn’t been killed, he would have killed someone.”

Local shopkeeper Numan Saifi, who interacted with Zeus regularly, expressed disbelief at the dog’s transformation. He shared, “Zeus was in here with his owner just before the attack. I can’t believe this has happened. He always seemed calm and friendly.”

It was revealed that Zeus had been rescued a few weeks prior after being beaten and abandoned. Covered in scars, the dog had displayed signs of mistreatment in the past. The tragic turn of events has left the community in shock, prompting further investigation and raising questions about the dog’s recent adoption.

The incident will be referred to the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner due to the discharge of a firearm during the response. The harrowing event sheds light on the challenges of handling aggressive animals and the complex decisions faced by law enforcement in such situations.