Police Seize XL Bullies After Woman Mauled to Death in East London Home
In a tragic incident, two XL Bully dogs were seized by police after a woman was fatally mauled in her east London home. The incident occurred on Monday afternoon in Cornwall Close, Hornchurch.
Armed officers responded to the scene at 1:12 PM following reports that a woman in her 50s had been attacked by a dog. Despite efforts by medics from the London Ambulance Service, the woman was pronounced dead at the scene, reported BBC.
A Metropolitan Police spokesman provided details of the incident: “Due to the threat posed, armed officers attended. After assessing the situation, officers were able to safely seize two dogs. These were registered XL Bully dogs and prior to officers’ arrival had been contained inside a room in the house. They did not leave the house at any time during the incident. The family of the woman, who was the owner of the dogs, are being supported by officers” via Daily Mail.
This tragic event follows a recent case where a mother and son were jailed for their involvement in an attack by their XL Bully on an eight-year-old boy. Amanda Young, 49, was sentenced to 20 months in prison after admitting to being the person in charge of a dog that caused injury while dangerously out of control in a public place. Her son, Lewis Young, 30, received a two-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to being the owner of the dog.
As of February 1, it has been a criminal offense to own an XL Bully in England and Wales without a certificate, highlighting the increased legal scrutiny on the ownership of these dogs.
The community is reeling from the incident, and there is an ongoing investigation to understand the circumstances that led to the fatal attack. The seizure of the dogs and the legal actions against other owners of XL Bullies underscore the authorities’ commitment to addressing the dangers posed by these animals.
The incident has sparked renewed discussions about dog ownership laws and the responsibilities of pet owners, particularly concerning breeds known for their strength and potential danger. The tragic death of the woman in Hornchurch serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks associated with owning powerful dog breeds and the importance of stringent regulations to prevent such incidents in the future.