XL Bully Owner Insists Dog Was Not Aggressive Before Fatal Mauling of Pensioner
Sean Garner, the owner of an XL bully dog that mauled a pensioner to death, has told a court he did not believe the animal was aggressive and kept it around his children. The shocking case unfolded at Liverpool Crown Court, where details emerged of the attack that claimed the life of 84-year-old John McColl in Warrington, Cheshire.
Vicious Attack Leads to Police Shooting Dog Ten Times
John McColl died from his injuries one month after the vicious dog attack on February 24, 2025. Armed police rushed to the scene on Bardsley Avenue and had to shoot the XL bully named Toretto ten times - nine times with a pistol and once with a shotgun - to neutralize the animal. Police also shot dead a second XL bully called Malibu, not taking any chances with the dangerous situation.
Garner, 31, told the court he had taken steps to prevent his dogs from becoming dangerously out of control. He claimed he had locked Toretto in a shed secured with a latched gate and chain bolt when he left home on the day of the attack. However, neighbors contradicted this account, stating the dogs were kept on a patio covered in dog mess, and photos from the scene showed no bolt on the gate.
Graphic Details of the Attack Emerge in Court
Prosecutor David Birrell provided the jury with harrowing details of the injuries suffered by Mr McColl. "It had eaten him alive," Birrell stated, revealing that parts of the pensioner's face were found in the dog's stomach when vets conducted a post-mortem examination. "There was no food in the dog's stomach, just part of John McColl's face. And bits of plastic."
An officer called to the scene described the injuries as "the worst I have ever seen in my policing career." Brave members of the public attempted to rescue Mr McColl using makeshift weapons including a broomstick, golf club, and spirit level, but the animal kept them at bay as the pensioner screamed "Help me!"
Owner's Defense and Breeding Activities Revealed
Garner, who faces charges of being the owner of a dog which caused injury while dangerously out of control, maintained that Toretto had shown no aggression during the four-and-a-half years he owned the animal. "If my dog showed aggression, I wouldn't have had the dog around my kids," Garner testified. "I've got a family. I've got people who would have stepped in if they thought the dog was aggressive."
The court heard that Garner ran an Instagram page called Little and Large Bullies which he used to promote dogs for breeding. He admitted advertising Malibu for breeding as an XL bully, claiming this made it easier to sell puppies. Toretto had been used as a stud dog for breeding with other people's dogs, though not with his own animals.
Contradictions in Evidence and Breed Identification
Prosecutor Birrell described Garner as an "irresponsible and reckless owner" who planned to breed XL bully dogs "to make money." The court heard that Garner initially denied his dogs were XL bullies - a breed banned in December 2023 unless owners obtained an exemption certificate. Garner maintained for six months that his dogs were not XL bullies before finally admitting they were, and he did not possess the required exemption certificate.
Further contradictions emerged when the court heard that Garner had sent a message to his mother in March 2024 describing Toretto as "missing a few nuts and bolts." When asked to explain this comment, Garner said it was a figure of speech meaning the dog was "100mph" and always excited, not that it was aggressive.
Aftermath of the Attack and Legal Proceedings
The prosecution revealed that after the attack, Garner "kept his distance from the police who wanted to speak to him" and contacted family members who advised him to lie. He reportedly "made light of the situation and made jokes while doctors were trying to save Mr McColl's life." Garner eventually handed himself into police two days after the attack.
Garner, now of Belle Vale, Liverpool, denies being the owner of a dog which caused injury while dangerously out of control. He has admitted being in possession of two XL bully dogs without an exemption certificate. The trial continues at Liverpool Crown Court as the jury considers the evidence surrounding this tragic incident that has raised serious questions about dangerous dog ownership and regulation.
