XL Bully mauls owner to death inside UK town as police shoot dog dead
Police had no choice but to shoot the XL Bully in Lancashire after it posed "a significant threat of serious harm."
A 53-year-old man was mauled to death by an XL Bully dog in his own home, leaving officers with no choice but to shoot the dog.
A probe has been launched after David Daintree was found dead in Ashley Court, Accrington, Lancashire at around 9.30pm on Tuesday, August 20. Lancashire Police said its officers had to shoot the animal because it posed "a significant threat of serious harm."
Supt Marie Jackson of East Police said Mr Daintree's family were being supported by specialist officers.
"This is a tragic incident which has sadly resulted in a man losing his life and my thoughts are with his loved ones at this time," she said.
"An investigation into the circumstances is ongoing and I would appeal to anyone with any information to get in touch.
"We will have extra officers out and about in the area carrying out enquiries and I would urge anyone with information or concerns to speak to them."
It comes amid a crackdown on the breed by the UK government after a series of brutal attacks involving the creatures, with almost two dozen killed in the last three years.
Since February 1, it is a criminal offence to own or possess an XL Bully dog in England and Wales unless you possess a valid Certificate of Exemption.
For these to remain valid, owners must arrange for their XL Bullies to be permanently neutered. Male dogs must be neutered through castration, and female dogs have to be spayed.
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Applications for these certificates have closed and can only be authorised by a court order.
According the Government website, it’s also an offence to:
- sell an XL Bully dog
- abandon an XL Bully dog or let it stray
- give away an XL Bully dog
- breed or breed from an XL Bully dog
- have an XL Bully in public without a lead and muzzle
Scotland also introduced similar rules bringing it in line with England and Wales. A similar exemption certificate rule is set to come into force in Northern Ireland from December 31.
Though ownership isn't currently banned, the dogs must be muzzled and on a lead when in a public place in NI. Selling, exhcanging, gifting, or breeding from an XL Bully-type dog is also not allowed.