A 60-year-old man has been arrested following a dog attack in Birmingham that left an 11-year-old girl with serious injuries. The incident occurred on Saturday in Bordesley Green, where the dog, described as an American bully XL and Staffordshire bull terrier crossbreed puppy, broke free from its collar and chased the girl.
Ana Paun suffered shoulder and arm injuries in the attack. Two men were also injured, including a 20-year-old who was chased across a garage forecourt and taken to hospital with bites to his shoulder and forearm, as well as cuts and bruises from being dragged. The dog's owner was also hospitalised.
West Midlands Police confirmed the arrest on Wednesday on suspicion of possessing a dog dangerously out of control. The man has been bailed with conditions while inquiries continue.
The attack prompted Home Secretary Suella Braverman to seek urgent advice on whether the American bully XL breed should be banned, calling it a 'clear and lethal danger to our communities, particularly to children'. However, animal welfare organisations, including the Dog Control Coalition, oppose a ban, arguing that current breed-specific legislation is not working and that the focus should be on improving breeding and ownership regulations.
