In a series of tragic incidents involving XL Bully dogs, two separate attacks have resulted in fatalities and legal repercussions for the owners. The first incident occurred in Essex, where a grandmother was killed by two XL Bully dogs, leading to charges against the owner. The second incident took place in Aberdeen, where a woman was fatally attacked by her own XL Bully, prompting discussions about the breed's dangerous nature and the need for stricter regulations.
Key Takeaways
- Two separate fatal dog attacks involving XL Bully dogs have raised concerns about the breed.
- Legal actions have been initiated against the owners in both cases.
- New laws regarding the ownership of XL Bully dogs have been implemented in England and Wales.
Overview of the Essex Incident
In February, Esther Martin, a 68-year-old grandmother, was tragically killed by two XL Bully dogs in Essex. The owner, Ashley Warren, has been charged with multiple offenses, including owning a dog dangerously out of control, which resulted in death. This incident marks the first case under new laws that came into effect on February 1, 2024, making it illegal to own XL Bully dogs without an exemption certificate.
Warren, 40, faces serious charges, including:
- Two counts of owning a dog dangerously out of control causing injury resulting in death.
- Two offenses under the Animal Welfare Act.
- Possession of a bladed article and a Class B drug.
The coroner reported that Martin was unresponsive after the attack, with injuries deemed unsurvivable. Warren expressed regret, stating he never anticipated such a tragedy and believed the dogs should be eradicated.
The Aberdeen Attack
In a separate incident in Aberdeen, 41-year-old Michelle McLeod was killed by her own XL Bully, named Bailey, on December 7. Witnesses reported that the dog had previously displayed aggressive behavior, including attacking another dog owned by a couple in the neighborhood. Following the fatal attack, Bailey was euthanized.
Klaudia Jackowska and Ryan Gray, neighbors of McLeod, recounted a previous incident where Bailey attacked their dog, Clyde. They described the XL Bully as going "absolutely wild" during the attack, which required multiple neighbors to intervene. Despite being friendly towards humans, Bailey exhibited aggressive tendencies around other dogs, raising concerns about the breed's temperament.
Legal and Regulatory Implications
The recent attacks have reignited discussions about the regulation of XL Bully dogs. Following a series of attacks in recent years, the UK government added the breed to the Dangerous Dogs Act, enforcing stricter ownership laws. As of December 31, 2023, breeding, selling, or abandoning XL Bully dogs has become illegal.
The tragic events have prompted calls for further action to ensure public safety and prevent future incidents. Advocates for stricter regulations argue that the breed's aggressive tendencies necessitate a reevaluation of ownership laws and responsibilities.
Conclusion
The fatal attacks involving XL Bully dogs in Essex and Aberdeen have highlighted the urgent need for comprehensive discussions about dog ownership and public safety. As legal actions unfold, the focus remains on preventing further tragedies and ensuring that dog owners are held accountable for their pets' behavior. The community's safety and well-being must be prioritized as the debate over the future of XL Bully dogs continues.
Sources
- Owner of XL bully dogs charged over death of grandmother, MSN.
- XL Bully that killed woman went 'absolutely wild' in dog attack, Press and Journal.
- XL Bully that killed woman went 'absolutely wild' in dog attack, Press and Journal.
