A police officer shot dead a dog described as “very dangerous” dog on Thursday morning after it attacked its owner, leaving him grievously injured.  

According to a police statement, the 28-year-old man from St Paul's Bay was hurt while trying to break up a fight between his two dogs in Triq il-Frejgatina.

“One dog, after attacking its owner, escaped from the scene. As the dog was considered very dangerous to other people, police assistance was requested. Due to the urgency of the situation, the police were compelled to shoot the dog," a police spokesperson said.

Police confirmed the dog was an American Staffordshire Terrier, classified as a bully breed under Maltese law.

The Animal Welfare Directorate assisted and a medical team took the man to hospital where he was treated for grievous injuries.

In a statement issued Thursday in the wake of the incident, animal rights NGO Vuċi għall-Annimali said it has recommended the introduction of mandatory licensing and training for stronger breeds.

"While incidents involving attacks on humans are deeply concerning and must be taken seriously, we believe many of these situations can be prevented through proper education and preparation before taking on the responsibility of an animal. These dogs are not the problem — the real issue is the lack of understanding of canine body language and behaviour," the activist group said.

"It’s time to stop blaming the end of the leash and start taking responsibility for how we raise and handle dogs. We do not believe in the label 'dangerous'."

In December, a legal notice came into force banning the breeding, importation, sale and keeping of non-pedigree bully dogs.

Dog lovers can still buy bully breeds if the dog is bred through a registered kennel club and is provided with a pedigree certificate. 

The law concerns "backyard breeders" who breed bully dogs that are not properly selected for genetic qualities, and who do not provide a pedigree certificate.