A 53-year-old man was mauled to death by his own XL Bully dog at his home in Accrington, Lancashire. Police shot the animal dead after it continued to pose a threat to others.
The victim, David Daintree, was found deceased by officers who responded to a call from ambulance crews shortly before 9.30pm on Tuesday. The dog was confirmed to be an XL Bully, a breed subject to a UK ban since December unless owners hold an exemption certificate.
Lancashire Police stated that the dog was still aggressive and posed a significant threat of serious harm, leaving officers with no alternative but to use a police firearm to destroy it. Superintendent Marie Jackson described the incident as tragic and extended condolences to Mr Daintree's family.
An investigation into the circumstances is ongoing. The XL Bully, the largest of four American Bully types, was cross-bred for fighting and can weigh up to nine stone with a powerful bite. The breed has been controversial following a string of attacks, including the death of a 10-year-old boy in south Wales.
