In a shocking incident on August 20, 2024, in Accrington, Lancashire, UK, a 53-year-old man, David Daintree, was fatally attacked by his own XL Bully dog at his home.
The attack has once again brought the controversial issue of XL Bully ownership into the spotlight, raising questions about the safety and regulation of this powerful breed.
The tragic event unfolded at Ashley Court, where emergency services were called shortly before 9:30 PM after receiving reports of a dog attacking a man inside a house. Upon arrival, police officers discovered Daintree already deceased, with the dog still posing a significant threat to anyone nearby. The police were left with no choice but to shoot the dog to prevent further harm.
A statement from Lancashire Police confirmed the identity of the victim and the breed of the dog involved.
The incident has left the local community in shock, with neighbors expressing their fear and disbelief over what had happened. One neighbor, who preferred to remain anonymous, stated, “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, known for its muscular build and powerful bite, has been a topic of heated debate in the UK. The breed was officially banned in England and Wales on February 1, 2024, making it illegal to own one without an exemption certificate. The law also prohibits selling, breeding, abandoning, or giving away these dogs.
Despite the ban, thousands of XL Bully owners applied for exemption certificates before the deadline, allowing them to keep their pets under strict regulations.
Superintendent Marie Jackson of East Police expressed her condolences to Daintree’s family and urged 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 linked to several fatal attacks in recent years, including the death of a 10-year-old boy in South Wales. The growing number of incidents involving XL Bullies has fueled the debate over whether breed-specific bans are an effective way to prevent such tragedies.
Animal rights organization PETA has supported the ban, arguing that these dogs pose a significant risk to public safety. However, some dog lovers believe that the breed has been unfairly targeted and that responsible ownership, rather than outright bans, should be the focus of legislation.
The investigation into Daintree’s death is ongoing, with police looking into the previous ownership of the dog and whether it had been involved in any previous incidents. The circumstances surrounding how Daintree came to own the dog, which he reportedly had for only a short time, are also under scrutiny. The Dangerous Dogs Act prohibits anyone from transferring ownership of an XL Bully without the recipient also having an exemption certificate, a regulation that is likely to be a key aspect of the investigation.