Tragic Dog Attack Claims Infant's Life
A nine-month-old baby boy has died after being attacked by an XL Bully dog during a family visit in the village of Rogiet, Monmouthshire. The incident occurred on Sunday evening, sending shockwaves through the local community and reigniting the national debate on dangerous dog breeds.
The infant, who was born in January this year and has not been publicly named, was with his father, Jarrod Bluck, 30, at the time of the tragic attack. Locals described the father as being 'as proud as punch' of his young son, making the event all the more devastating for those who knew the family.
Investigation and Arrests
Gwent Police confirmed that two individuals were arrested on suspicion of being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control causing injury, with the additional serious charge of suspicion of child neglect. Both were later released on police bail as enquiries continue.
Assistant Chief Constable Vicki Townsend stated: 'The arrests were made as part of a wide range of enquiries that officers are carrying out to understand the circumstances of the death.' She urged the public not to speculate on social media, emphasising that 'this is now a live criminal investigation.'
Neighbours have suggested that the six-year-old male dog, described as a legally owned black XL Bully, may have been 'spooked by fireworks' going off outside immediately before the attack. The family dog was seized by authorities and has since been put down.
Community Response and Legal Context
The local community has rallied around the grieving family. A fundraiser organised by the Caldicot Town Team aimed to raise £3,500 to cover funeral and memorial expenses but smashed its target in less than 24 hours, exceeding £7,100 as kind-hearted donors sought to support the family.
Police confirmed the dog was properly registered with the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) and had a certificate of exemption issued in 2024. This comes after new laws banning the XL Bully breed came into force, making it illegal to own the breed unless registered before a February deadline.
The XL Bully is the fifth breed to be banned in Britain, following a spate of horrific attacks. Despite government estimates of 10,000 such dogs in England and Wales, the actual figure was believed to be closer to 57,000. Tragically, attacks involving the breed have continued despite the restrictions.
