A heartbroken dog owner has shared the traumatic story of how his elderly pet was killed and another injured in an attack by three XL Bullies. Blake McElhatton, 31, from Derby, was working as a teaching assistant when the incident occurred last January. Since then, he has left two jobs and been diagnosed with PTSD after his dog Spirit was brutally mauled by the pack while on a walk.
The Attack
The dangerous dogs were not on leads and lacked muzzles, violating the law. Mr McElhatton received a call from friends that his two dogs, Spirit, a Terrier, and Leo, a Jack Russell, had been attacked. He rushed to the vets, where he learned the severity of Spirit's injuries. Speaking to the Daily Mail, he said: 'Leo had a fractured leg but Spirit was in a way worse state. He had an open wound to his neck, stomach and his back legs. When I went over to him, Spirit lifted his face up and I took off his oxygen mask and he licked my face. I just kept giving him loads of kisses.'
Difficult Decision
Mr McElhatton made the agonising choice to have Spirit, who was partially blind and had dementia, put to sleep rather than undergo surgery. He said he felt more anger than sadness: 'I was just so full of anger and rage because I was at work at the time and because these dogs are my family and they are completely dependent on me to protect them.'
Ongoing Trauma
Both Mr McElhatton and Leo have been left traumatised. Leo has become a 'completely different dog', while Mr McElhatton experiences flashbacks, insomnia, and nightmares. He has started therapy. 'Leo is just not confident anymore. He's really shaky and anxious and doesn't like being on his own. He's always looking for Spirit,' he added.
Seeking Justice
Mr McElhatton has launched a GoFundMe to mount a legal challenge against the owners of the XL Bullies. He hopes to see them fined or imprisoned for allowing the dogs off lead and without muzzles, and seeks compensation for psychological and physical distress. Derbyshire Police arrested a 36-year-old woman on suspicion of 'allowing a fighting dog to be in a public place without a muzzle or lead'. The investigation continues, with no charges yet.
Community Support
Donations and messages of support have come from other dog owners affected by XL Bully attacks. 'The donations have been really sweet and it just shows that there are still nice people in the world and love will always win over hate... People want justice for Spirit,' Mr McElhatton said. He has also started a petition calling for a review of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 and reintroduction of dog ownership licensing. 'Babies are being killed and even adults are being killed by their own dogs. I've done a lot of research into XL Bullys since the incident and they are not safe to be around and they can't be trusted they can just turn on you. I want to raise awareness because what happened to me could happen to anyone,' he concluded.
