On August 20, 2024, a 53-year-old man, David Daintree, tragically lost his life to an attack by his XL Bully dog in Accrington, Lancashire, UK. The assault has sparked renewed debates about the ownership and regulation of this powerful breed.
Emergency services raced to the scene at Ashley Court after receiving reports of a man being attacked by a dog inside a residence. Upon arrival, police found Daintree already dead with the dog still posing a considerable threat. The police were forced to shoot the dog to prevent additional harm.
The Lancashire Police released a statement confirming the identity of the victim and the breed of the dog involved. The event has left the local community in shock, as neighbors grapple with fear and disbelief. One anonymous neighbor 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 the subject of intense discussions in the UK. The breed was officially banned in England and Wales on February 1, 2024, making it illegal to own, breed, sell, abandon, or gift these dogs without an exemption certificate.
Despite the ban, many XL Bully owners applied for exemption certificates before the deadline, allowing them to retain their pets under stringent regulations.
Superintendent Marie Jackson of East Police offered her condolences to Daintree’s family and appealed for any information about the incident: “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.”
Originally bred for fighting, the XL Bully, the largest of the four types of American Bully dogs, can weigh up to 126 pounds and is known for its aggressive behavior. The breed has been implicated in several fatal attacks in the UK, including on a 10-year-old boy in South Wales. Such incidents have intensified the debate over the effectiveness of breed-specific bans as a preventive measure.
Animal rights organization PETA supports the ban, citing the significant risk these dogs pose to public safety. However, some dog enthusiasts believe that the breed has been disproportionately targeted and argue for responsible ownership, rather than outright bans.
The investigation into Daintree’s death is still in progress. Police are examining the dog’s previous ownership and whether it had been involved in any prior incidents. The circumstances of how Daintree came to own the dog, reportedly recently, are also under investigation. The Dangerous Dogs Act prohibits the transfer of an XL Bully without the new owner also having an exemption certificate, which will likely play a crucial role in the investigation.
