A startling incident occurred on August 20, 2024, when David Daintree, a 53-year-old man from Accrington, Lancashire, UK, was fatally mauled by his own XL Bully dog at his residence.
This incident has reignited the debate over the ownership of XL Bully dogs, prompting further discussions about the safety and control measures associated with this strong breed.
Emergency services were summoned to Ashley Court shortly before 9:30 PM following reports of a dog assaulting a man indoors. When the police arrived, they found Daintree already dead, with the dog still presenting a considerable risk to everyone in the vicinity. As a result, the officers had to shoot the dog to prevent any more injuries.
In a statement, the Lancashire Police confirmed the victim’s identity and the breed of the dog involved.
The local community was stunned by the incident, with neighbors expressing their anxiety and shock over the event. One resident, who chose to remain unnamed, remarked, “It’s terrifying to think something like this could happen so close to home. These dogs are just too dangerous to be kept as pets, especially in a residential area.”
The XL Bully breed, recognized for its muscular structure and potent bite, has been a point of contention in the UK. Owning the breed without an exemption certificate became illegal in England and Wales on February 1, 2024, under the law that also prohibits the selling, breeding, abandonment, or giving away of these dogs.
Despite the prohibition, thousands of XL Bully owners applied for exemption certificates before the cut-off date, allowing them to retain their pets under rigorous rules.
Superintendent Marie Jackson of East Police expressed her sympathy to Daintree’s family and encouraged anyone with information to come forward: “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. An investigation into the circumstances is ongoing, and I would appeal to anyone with any information to get in touch.”
The XL Bully, the largest of four types of American Bully dogs, was originally cross-bred for fighting. With a potential weight of 126 pounds and a reputation for aggressive behavior, the breed has been connected to several deadly attacks in recent years, including the death of a 10-year-old boy in South Wales. The rising number of incidents involving XL Bullies has intensified the debate over the effectiveness of breed-specific bans in preventing such incidents.
Animal rights organization PETA has backed the ban, arguing that these dogs pose a substantial risk to the public. However, some dog enthusiasts think that the breed has been unjustly singled out and that legislation should focus more on responsible ownership than on outright prohibitions.
The investigation into Daintree’s death is still underway, with authorities examining the dog’s previous ownership and any past incidents it may have been involved in. They are also scrutinizing the circumstances under which Daintree acquired the dog, which he reportedly only owned for a brief period. Under the Dangerous Dogs Act, it is illegal to transfer ownership of an XL Bully without the recipient also possessing an exemption certificate. This regulation will likely play a significant role in the investigation.