A tragic incident in Hornchurch, East London, England has resulted in the death of a woman in her 50s, Angeline Mahal, attacked by her own registered XL Bully dogs. This marks the first fatal attack by this breed since the government’s recent ban, for which these dogs had obtained an exemption.
On the afternoon of Monday, May 20, 2024, armed officers from the Metropolitan Police and paramedics responded to a dog attack report at Cornwall Close. Despite their immediate response, Mahal was declared dead at the location.
Several police vehicles, blaring sirens and flashing blue lights, were seen in the usually calm cul-de-sac by local residents. Ambulance and air ambulance crews arrived shortly after.
A local resident informed The Mirror, “There have been vans coming and going since lunchtime, and we saw the helicopter overhead, which made us fear the worst. With Campion School nearby, our first thought was that it involved children. You never expect something like this from dogs. It’s terrible.”
Another eyewitness shared, “I saw about six police vehicles with lights and sirens, plus ambulances and an air ambulance at Cornwall Close in Hornchurch.”
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that the dogs, two registered XL Bullys, belonged to the deceased woman. The dogs were safely seized from a room inside the house without any further incident. A police spokesperson detailed, “Armed officers were required due to the threat posed. After assessing the situation, officers were able to seize two dogs safely.”
The usually quiet residential neighborhood was quickly cordoned off by the police, leaving the community in shock from this tragic incident.
This recent attack has brought the government’s decision to ban XL Bully dogs back into focus. The breed has been linked to several violent incidents over the past few years.
The XL Bully Dog is a large, muscular breed, known for its powerful build and strong jaw. It is a variant of the American Bully breed developed in the United States as a companion dog. The XL Bully’s size, often exceeding the standard American Bully, and its physical strength, make it a popular but sometimes controversial pet.
The ban, effective from February 1, 2024, mandates owners to obtain an exemption certificate, ensure their dogs are neutered and microchipped, and keep them muzzled and on a leash in public. However, the breed continues to be involved in serious attacks despite these precautions.
Just days after the ban started, a similar high-profile attack occurred. In this incident, Esther Martin, 68, was killed by two unregistered XL Bullys in Jaywick, Essex, England while visiting her grandson. The dogs in this case were not registered under the new regulations, raising concerns about compliance with the law.
