Man in his 50s mauled to death by dog, XL Bully breed suspected

A 54-year-old man has passed away after being mauled by a suspected XL Bully dog in northern England.

The attack, which took place in the Sunderland area around 7:00 p.m. last night, resulted in the victim being rushed to hospital with serious life-threatening injuries, according to Northumbria Police. The dog, which police believe to be a controversial XL Bully breed, was “destroyed at the scene to ensure the safety of the public.”

A woman reportedly found the victim lying in a field, and said to the first police officer to arrive: “Please help me, his throat is hanging out!”

However, the victim ended up dying the same night of his injuries.

Initially a 44-year-old man was arrested, after being suspected of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. However, he was later re-arrested on suspicion of murder.

“While our investigation is at an early stage, we do believe those involved were known to each other,” Detective Chief Inspector Angela Hudson, of Northumbria Police said of the incident.

Last year, an investigation by the UK Mirror found that dog dealers were being encouraged to breed dogs into “monsters” by criminal gangs and earning up to £250,000 (€289,000).

Dodgy dog breeders have erupted all over the country since the pandemic causing the “perfect storm for dog bites”.https://t.co/UQJkvuhnbs

— The Mirror (@DailyMirror) October 7, 2022

The news comes after last month UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced that American XL Bully dogs are to be banned in the UK, adding to the list of previously banned dogs. Under the UK’s Dangerous Dogs Act, it is already illegal to own a Pit Bull Terrier, a Japanese Tosa, a Dogo Argentinos, or a Fila Brazileiro.

Dogs that share certain physical characteristics with these prohibited breeds, such as cross breeds, are also outlawed.

If caught with a banned dog breed in the UK, the police or local council’s dog wardens can seize the dog, even if no complaint has been made or it is not acting dangerously. If taken to court, the owner must prove the dog is not a banned breed, and if they fail to do so, they can be convicted of a crime carrying a potentially unlimited fine or a maximum of 6 months in prison. The dog will also be put down.