A 54-year-old man in Sunderland has succumbed to injuries after being attacked by a dog, prompting Northumbria Police to initiate a murder investigation.
The attacking dog, identified as an XL Bully, was promptly shot by police officers at the scene for public safety. This incident serves as a distressing reminder of the potential dangers associated with this specific breed.
The harrowing attack occurred in Shiney Row, where residents recounted witnessing paramedics rushing to treat the man’s grievously wounded throat. Despite best efforts from medical personnel, the man’s life could not be saved.
Shortly after the incident, a 44-year-old man was detained on suspicion of inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent. However, subsequent to the victim’s death, his charges escalated, and he was re-arrested on suspicion of murder. Police also made the decision to seize another dog from the same property as a precautionary measure. The suspect is currently in police custody.
Locals familiar with the area mentioned regular sightings of two XL Bullies being walked nearby. One of the residents noted, “I have seen the two dogs before, they are well known in the area, an older one and a younger one. They shot the older one in the yard.”
Expressing her condolences, Detective Chief Inspector Angela Hudson of Northumbria Police remarked, “This is an absolutely tragic incident, and we will continue to offer [the family] support in any way that we can.” She assured the community of their safety, emphasizing that there was no lingering threat.
This unfortunate event adds to the growing list of dog attacks in the UK. Recent incidents include a toddler bitten in Greenwich and a fatal attack on a man in Staffordshire by two dogs. Last month, an 11-year-old girl in Birmingham was injured by a dog, leading to a man’s arrest.
This surge in dog-related incidents has brought the XL Bully breed under sharp focus. The breed has been at the center of recent debates, especially after the prime minister expressed intentions to include American XL Bullies in the list of prohibited dogs. This move has sparked opposition from breed owners. In line with this, Rishi Sunak has announced plans to officially ban the breed under the Dangerous Dogs Act by year-end, further escalating discussions on the matter.
