Tragedy in Monmouthshire: XL Bully Dog Kills Nine-Month-Old Baby
In This Article
HIGHLIGHTS
- A nine-month-old baby was killed by a six-year-old XL bully dog in Rogiet, Monmouthshire, on Sunday evening.
- The dog was registered and had an exemption certificate issued in 2024, prior to the XL bully ban.
- Gwent Police confirmed the dog was sedated and euthanized following the incident; no arrests have been made.
- The Dangerous Dogs Act added XL bullies to the banned list in late 2023 due to links with fatal attacks.
- Despite the ban, dog attacks in England and Wales increased by 2% in 2024, with 31,920 incidents reported.
In a tragic incident that has left a quiet Welsh village in mourning, a nine-month-old baby boy was killed by an XL bully dog in Rogiet, Monmouthshire. The attack occurred on Sunday evening, prompting an immediate response from emergency services. Despite their efforts, the infant was pronounced dead at the scene.
Dog Registered Before Ban
The dog involved, a six-year-old XL bully, was registered with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and had been issued an exemption certificate in 2024. This registration occurred before the breed was banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act in late 2023, following its association with fatal attacks. Assistant Chief Constable Vicki Townsend of Gwent Police emphasized that the registration was proactive, as owners were not required to formally identify the breed when seeking exemption.
Ongoing Investigation
The dog was sedated and removed from the property, later being euthanized by a veterinarian. No arrests have been made, and the investigation remains ongoing. ACC Townsend urged the public to refrain from speculation that could impact the grieving family and the integrity of the investigation. She noted that only a Dog Legislation Officer or a court-approved independent assessor could officially determine the breed in such cases.
Community in Shock
The village of Rogiet is grappling with the aftermath of the incident. Local county councillor Peter Strong described the community as being in deep shock, urging residents to remain calm and provide the family with space to grieve. The incident underscores the ongoing concerns surrounding dog attacks, despite legislative efforts to curb them.
Rising Dog Attacks
The XL bully, a breed developed in the 1990s and known for its muscular build, has been a focal point in discussions about dangerous dogs. In 2024, dog attacks in England and Wales rose by 2% from the previous year, with 31,920 incidents reported. This increase highlights the challenges authorities face in enforcing the ban and ensuring public safety.
WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN
The tragic incident in Monmouthshire may prompt further scrutiny of the effectiveness of the current dog breed ban under the Dangerous Dogs Act. Authorities might consider revisiting the criteria for exemption certificates and the process for breed identification. Additionally, the rise in dog attacks could lead to calls for more stringent enforcement measures and public awareness campaigns. Experts may also advocate for a review of dog ownership regulations to prevent similar tragedies in the future. As the investigation unfolds, it will be crucial for policymakers to balance public safety with responsible pet ownership.
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Tragedy in Monmouthshire: XL Bully Dog Kills Nine-Month-Old Baby
In This Article
Sofia Romano| Published HIGHLIGHTS
- A nine-month-old baby was killed by a six-year-old XL bully dog in Rogiet, Monmouthshire, on Sunday evening.
- The dog was registered and had an exemption certificate issued in 2024, prior to the XL bully ban.
- Gwent Police confirmed the dog was sedated and euthanized following the incident; no arrests have been made.
- The Dangerous Dogs Act added XL bullies to the banned list in late 2023 due to links with fatal attacks.
- Despite the ban, dog attacks in England and Wales increased by 2% in 2024, with 31,920 incidents reported.
In a tragic incident that has left a quiet Welsh village in mourning, a nine-month-old baby boy was killed by an XL bully dog in Rogiet, Monmouthshire. The attack occurred on Sunday evening, prompting an immediate response from emergency services. Despite their efforts, the infant was pronounced dead at the scene.
Dog Registered Before Ban
The dog involved, a six-year-old XL bully, was registered with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and had been issued an exemption certificate in 2024. This registration occurred before the breed was banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act in late 2023, following its association with fatal attacks. Assistant Chief Constable Vicki Townsend of Gwent Police emphasized that the registration was proactive, as owners were not required to formally identify the breed when seeking exemption.
Ongoing Investigation
The dog was sedated and removed from the property, later being euthanized by a veterinarian. No arrests have been made, and the investigation remains ongoing. ACC Townsend urged the public to refrain from speculation that could impact the grieving family and the integrity of the investigation. She noted that only a Dog Legislation Officer or a court-approved independent assessor could officially determine the breed in such cases.
Community in Shock
The village of Rogiet is grappling with the aftermath of the incident. Local county councillor Peter Strong described the community as being in deep shock, urging residents to remain calm and provide the family with space to grieve. The incident underscores the ongoing concerns surrounding dog attacks, despite legislative efforts to curb them.
Rising Dog Attacks
The XL bully, a breed developed in the 1990s and known for its muscular build, has been a focal point in discussions about dangerous dogs. In 2024, dog attacks in England and Wales rose by 2% from the previous year, with 31,920 incidents reported. This increase highlights the challenges authorities face in enforcing the ban and ensuring public safety.
WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN
The tragic incident in Monmouthshire may prompt further scrutiny of the effectiveness of the current dog breed ban under the Dangerous Dogs Act. Authorities might consider revisiting the criteria for exemption certificates and the process for breed identification. Additionally, the rise in dog attacks could lead to calls for more stringent enforcement measures and public awareness campaigns. Experts may also advocate for a review of dog ownership regulations to prevent similar tragedies in the future. As the investigation unfolds, it will be crucial for policymakers to balance public safety with responsible pet ownership.
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