A tragic incident unfolded in Bristol yesterday evening when a 19-year-old woman was fatally attacked by a dog in her flat.
Early reports suggest that the dog involved may have been an XL Bully.
Emergency services rushed to the Hartcliffe area around 7:20 pm, following distressing reports of the attack.
Paramedics confirmed the young woman’s death at the scene in Cobhorn Drive, despite their best efforts to save her.
Police Investigate and Make Arrests
As part of the investigation, police arrested two individuals, a man and a woman both in their 20s, on suspicion of being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control, resulting in death.
They are also facing charges related to possessing a prohibited breed of dog.
The dog, which was sedated at the scene, was seized and will undergo further assessment by veterinary professionals to confirm its breed.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene, with armed police and a helicopter seen in the area around 9:30 pm.
Local resident Gary Steadman recounted hearing “screaming” and described the dog as “big, butch, and brown and white.”
Another neighbor, Doreen Tovey, recalled being shaken by the commotion. “I came out of my house to see what was going on.
There were loads of police cars, a riot van, and an ambulance across the road,” she shared.
Investigation and Community Support
The police have confirmed that the woman’s family has been notified and are receiving support from a specially trained officer.
Neighbourhood Inspector Terry Murphy expressed his condolences, saying, “Our thoughts are with the family of the young woman who tragically died.”
He also praised the officers and paramedics who responded, acknowledging their efforts to save her life.
A full investigation is now underway to understand the circumstances that led to this devastating event.
Ongoing Police Presence in the Area
Cobhorn Drive remained closed for several hours overnight as authorities conducted their investigation.
The road was reopened in the morning, though a visible police presence is expected to continue in the area for the coming days. Neighbourhood officers will be available to address any concerns from residents.
New Laws on XL Bullies Following Rising Attacks
This tragic event follows the government’s recent crackdown on XL Bully dogs.
As of December 31, 2023, new laws were introduced in England and Wales, banning the breeding and sale of these dogs.
The law also makes it illegal to own an XL Bully without a valid Certificate of Exemption.
Furthermore, owners must keep their XL Bullies on a lead and muzzle when in public, and those whose dogs are deemed dangerously out of control can face severe penalties, including prison time, disqualification from ownership, or the euthanasia of the dog.
The rise in dog attacks has been alarming, with police reporting more than 80 incidents a day, a 20% increase from the previous year.
In 2023 alone, over 30,000 dog-related offences were recorded, with more than 6,000 of those incidents requiring hospital treatment for dog bites.