A man has been sentenced to 10 years and three months in prison following a fatal dog attack in Essex in 2024, in a case linked to changes in XL Bully legislation in England and Wales.
Key Points
- A man has been jailed for 10 years and three months following a fatal dog attack
- The incident took place in Jaywick, Essex, on 3 February 2024
- It occurred two days after the new XL Bully legislation came into force
- The owner did not hold a valid exemption certificate for the dogs
- The case has been described as one of the first of its kind following the change in law
The case
The court heard that the owner had asked a 68-year-old woman to look after two XL Bully dogs while he travelled away from the property.
The woman was left alone with the dogs and several puppies. She sustained multiple injuries during the incident and later died.
The owner was convicted of being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control, causing death. He was also found guilty of possessing a bladed article without a lawful reason.
Legal context
The attack took place shortly after new legislation came into effect in England and Wales, making it illegal to own an XL Bully dog without a valid certificate of exemption.
The court heard that the owner did not have, and had not applied for, the required exemption certificate.
Court outcome
The defendant was sentenced at Chelmsford Crown Court to 10 years and three months in prison.
The investigation was led by Essex Police, who stated that the case was one of the first following the introduction of the updated legislation.
Police statement
Detective Chief Inspector Louise Metcalfe said:
“This was a challenging and complex investigation, and the first of its kind in the country following the change in legislation.”
Further information
Court reporting and Essex Police statements relating to the case
FAQ‘s
What is the XL Bully law in the UK?
Legislation introduced in England and Wales in 2024 made it illegal to own an XL Bully dog without a valid certificate of exemption, along with strict requirements for ownership.
What happens if a dog is dangerously out of control?
Under UK law, owners can face prosecution if a dog is dangerously out of control and causes injury or death. Penalties can include imprisonment.
Are XL Bullies banned in the UK?
XL Bullies are subject to legal restrictions. Ownership is only permitted under specific conditions, including registration and compliance with exemption requirements.
Insurance changes
Dogs Trust has ended its third party liability insurance cover for XL Bully dogs.
You can read more about this update here:
Dogs Trust removes liability insurance from companion club membership
Banned dog breeds in the UK
You can read Yappily’s guide to banned dog breeds and UK dog legislation here:
Full list of banned dog breeds in the UK: Which breeds are prohibited?
Find a qualified dog trainer or behaviourist
Dog guardians can explore qualified trainers and behaviourists listed on Yappily:
Qualified dog trainers and behaviourists
Further information
Details of the case and sentencing are available via the Crown Prosecution Service, which confirmed the conviction and sentence at Chelmsford Crown Court.
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