XL Bully Owner's Partner Blames Victim in Social Media Outburst After Fatal Incident
The girlfriend of an XL Bully breeder has launched a scathing Facebook tirade, claiming her life has been "ruined" after police shot her dogs dead when one mauled and killed an 84-year-old man who accidentally wandered into her garden. Lauren Lawler insisted her dogs "would still be alive now" if victim John McColl "didn't take it upon himself to go into my garden."
Horrific Attack Details and Police Response
The fatal incident occurred on Bardsley Avenue in Warrington on February 24 last year, when Mr McColl mistakenly entered the driveway of Sean Garner, 31, while walking home from a pub. One of Garner's XL Bullies, named Toretto, attacked the pensioner as neighbours heard screams and attempted to intervene using household items like a brush and golf club.
Armed police were dispatched to the scene, where an officer shot Toretto nine times with a pistol while another used a shotgun. Authorities also euthanized a second XL Bully named Malibu found on the property, stating they did not want to "take any chances." Both dogs were banned breeds under UK legislation.
Social Media Controversy and Legal Proceedings
Following Garner's conviction at Liverpool Crown Court for owning a dangerously out-of-control dog causing death, Lawler took to Facebook with multiple posts criticizing police and government officials. She shared photographs of the dogs, arguing they appeared well-cared for and questioning why Malibu was shot despite not being involved in the attack.
In her emotional posts, Lawler described the dogs as "family pets" raised with children and claimed they had only been at the Warrington property for about ten days before the tragedy. She detailed graphic scenes from her home, including broken glass and bloodstains where Malibu was shot, alleging the dog was killed "for absolutely nothing."
Public Backlash and Breeder's Defense
Lawler's comments sparked immediate backlash on social media, with users condemning her for blaming the victim. One respondent noted the dog was unregistered and kept illegally, while another emphasized the importance of following breeding regulations. Lawler countered that her family's lives were destroyed by McColl's actions and maintained the dog had never shown aggression previously.
During court proceedings, it was revealed that Toretto had gone without food for up to ten hours before the attack and weeks without exercise. Garner claimed he had locked the unregistered dog—with illegally cropped ears—in a shed before leaving home that day. Prosecutors dismissed his suggestion that McColl deliberately released the animal as "ludicrous."
Witness Accounts and Sentencing
Neighbour Victor Ferrier, who tried to fight off Toretto with a brush, described seeing the dog "chewing on his face" while McColl screamed in agony. PC Chris Cunliffe, one of the first responders, called it the worst injuries he had witnessed in his eight-year policing career, comparing the dog's behavior to guarding a torn-apart toy.
Garner, who operated an Instagram page called "Little and Large Bullies," has been remanded in custody and is scheduled for sentencing at Liverpool Crown Court on April 17. The case has reignited debates about dangerous dog breeds, owner responsibility, and police protocols in handling such incidents.
