On Saturday afternoon, Esther Martin, a 68-year-old grandmother, was found with serious injuries in Jaywick, Essex. She was visiting her 11-year-old grandson for the weekend when she was attacked by two dogs, possibly XL bullies according to her daughter, Sonia Martin. The breed hasn’t been officially confirmed yet by experts. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
A 39-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of dangerous dog offences, as well as others, but has since been released on bail. The dogs have been destroyed. The local police ensured the area was safe, with a significant police presence remaining in the town throughout the day after the attack.
XL bully dogs are banned in England and Wales under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, which means breeding, selling, or abandoning them is illegal. The Scottish Government has also announced a ban that will come into effect later this year. However, to keep the XL bullies and get a Certificate of Exemption, allowing owners to do so, they need insurance, to neuter their dog and pay a £92.40 fee. American XL bully dogs must be kept on a lead and muzzled in public.
Chief Superintendent Glen Pavelin expressed his condolences to Martin’s family and announced that experienced detectives are working on the case to figure out exactly what happened. The incident is a huge shock to the community, and officers will remain on site to gather more information and offer support to anyone who needs it.
Anyone with information related to the attack or XL bully dogs is encouraged to contact the authorities or speak to the officers on the scene
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