A dog owner who previously defended XL Bullies as "friendly" and "not dangerous" has faced magistrates after her pet launched a brutal attack on a woman in a residential neighbourhood.
The incident occurred when the powerful dog escaped its property and set upon the victim without warning, causing significant injuries that required immediate medical attention.
Victim's Terrifying Ordeal
Emergency services rushed to the scene following distressed calls from neighbours who witnessed the savage mauling. Paramedics treated the injured woman at the location before transporting her to hospital for further treatment.
Local residents described scenes of chaos and panic as the attack unfolded, with several people attempting to intervene and pull the aggressive animal away from its victim.
Owner's Previous Defence of Breed
Remarkably, the dog's owner had previously spoken publicly in defence of XL Bullies, insisting they were misunderstood animals when properly trained and socialised.
In social media posts seen prior to the incident, the owner had described her dog as "a big softie" and claimed the breed received unfair negative publicity.
Legal Consequences and Breed Legislation
The case comes amid ongoing national debate about XL Bully dogs, which were added to the list of banned breeds in England and Wales earlier this year following a series of high-profile attacks.
New legislation requires owners to register their XL Bullies, have them neutered, microchipped, and kept on a lead and muzzled in public. Owners must also hold third-party liability insurance for their pets.
Community Safety Concerns
Local residents have expressed renewed concerns about dangerous dogs in their community following the attack. Several neighbours reported having previously raised concerns about the specific animal involved.
"We've been worried about that dog for months," one resident commented. "It's terrible that someone had to get seriously hurt before anything was done."
The case continues as authorities consider whether the dog should be destroyed and what further action should be taken against the owner.
