The police were called after the pet rounded on its owner. A helicopter was also called to the location after the dog fled the property in Exeter, Devon.

       The dog, an American bulldog, also attacked another family pet.

       Police were called to the Beacon Heath area of Exeter around 3pm on Friday.

       Police used a National Police Air Service helicopter and an armed response to search for the escaped dog.

       The dog's owners suffered minor injuries.

       The owners consented that the dog should be put down in the interests of safety.

       Inspector Greg Hine of Devon and Cornwall Police said: "The decision to authorise an armed response to this incident was not taken lightly, but we responded proportionately to the risk to public safety.

       "Unfortunately, the dog could not be controlled and was humanely put down.

       "The owners agreed with our course of action, which we appreciate was upsetting for them and for the community."

       In a previous dog attack in the city, the animal was rehomed under a judge's orders, rather than destroyed.

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       A bull terrier attacked a six-year-old boy, pulling him from his bike.

       The dog, named Caesar, risked being put down after the attack in Exeter in 2020.

       But he found a new home at an animal shelter elsewhere in Devon after a dog behavioural expert offered to adopt him.

       The dog was allowed to live, but not with its previous owner.

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       Dean Johns, who had previously had Caesar, admitted ownership of a dog that was dangerously out of control.

       He was handed a jail sentence of 12 months, suspended for two years.

       He was additionally banned from owning a dog for two years.

       He was ordered to pay ￡200 in compensation and complete 180 hours of community work.

       The judge said: "This is not a case so much about this particular animal as about the defendant and his ability to control him.

       "This is a case in which the owner is as much at fault as the dog."

       The dog must wear a muzzle, along with a harness and two leads, when out in public.