A man has been arrested in connection with a horrific dog attack that left a nine-year-old girl with life-changing injuries, six months after the incident occurred. Eva Mangenje sustained deep puncture wounds when an XL Bully mauled her leg and arm in Springthorpe Green, Birmingham's Edrington area, on November 16 last year.
The 33-year-old suspect was arrested on suspicion of being the owner or person in charge allowing a dog to be dangerously out of control. He has since been released on bail without charge, and West Midlands Police continue their investigation.
The Attack
Eva was walking home from a shop with her mother, Alicia, when the dog launched an unprovoked attack. Alicia described the horrifying moment the animal ran towards her daughter and began mauling her leg, showing no interest in her or others trying to intervene. Two men managed to free Eva by hitting the dog with everything they had, while a neighbour brought towels to stem the bleeding.
Eva was rushed to Birmingham Children's Hospital, where she underwent two surgeries and spent 11 days as an inpatient. Her mother said the screams of 'I'm going to die' will haunt her forever. Both mother and daughter remain traumatised by the ferocious assault.
Investigation and Family Frustration
Alicia expressed deep unhappiness and distress over the lack of action and accountability in the case, noting that it took six months for the arrest to occur. West Midlands Police stated they are continuing to update the family as enquiries progress and urged anyone with information to call 101, quoting crime reference number 20/445485/25.
XL Bullies were outlawed in the UK in December 2023. It is now illegal to breed, sell, or have the dogs unmuzzled in public, and owners must possess a registered exemption certificate.
