A girl, aged 10, tragically lost her life after a dog owned by her family attacked her at their residence in Malton, North Yorkshire, England on Friday, November 1, 2024.
North Yorkshire Police reported that emergency services were alerted to the incident at approximately 4:15 p.m. local time. Despite the efforts of the Yorkshire Ambulance Service and a passerby who attempted to intervene, the child succumbed to severe injuries at the scene.
Following the attack, a family member was able to secure the dog in a vehicle until police officers arrived to safely seize it. The dog’s breed has not been revealed, and it has been relocated to a secure kennel. Police officials confirmed on Sunday that the dog would be euthanized. The girl’s identity remains undisclosed while an autopsy has been scheduled for November 3 to establish the official cause of death.
The North Yorkshire Police are committed to examining the circumstances surrounding the attack. They noted that “all indications so far suggest it was out-of-character, with the girl and dog having a close, loving relationship.” The police have requested the public’s discretion and respect for the family’s privacy during this difficult time.
This unfortunate incident is a part of a concerning trend in the UK, recording a significant rise in fatal dog attacks over recent years. According to Statista, between 2021 and 2023, the average annual number of fatal dog attacks surged to over 20, a drastic increase from the previous rate of around three per year. Breeds such as the American Bully XL, linked to multiple fatal incidents and added to the UK’s banned breeds list in 2023, have heightened public apprehension.
A recent BBC report revealed a 21% increase in reported dog attacks in England and Wales in 2023 compared to 2022. Some experts attribute this rise to dogs purchased during the COVID-19 lockdown period not receiving essential socialization.
The Dangerous Dogs Act of 1991, which bans four breeds in the UK including the Pitbull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, and Fila Brasileiro, was initially enacted to prevent fatal incidents. However, recent attacks have led to calls for expanded restrictions. While the government’s ban on unregistered XL bully dogs is an attempt to enhance public safety, some argue for more comprehensive regulations targeting negligent ownership rather than specific breeds.
As this tragic incident continues to be investigated, it serves as a reminder to the UK public about the importance of responsible dog ownership, training, and care. The North Yorkshire Police are collaborating with local authorities to identify any contributing factors to the incident.
