Julia Lewis

On Monday, a woman was mauled to death in London by her own two 'exempted' XL Bully dogs. By the time armed police and paramedics arrived at the shocking scene at her home in Hornchurch she was reportedly already dead. Her two sons had found her lying in the hallway and tried CPR but it was too late. Angeline Mahal, who was in her 50s, is the second person killed by XL Bully dogs since the ban on owning the breed without an exemption certificate was introduced in February. The first was Esther Martin, 68, who was killed by XLs belonging to her late daughter’s partner in Essex on 3 February, two days after the ban came in.

Three people including an 11-year-old girl have been mauled by an American Bully XL dog in Birmingham. The video showing the attack, which took place on Saturday is horrific: the child is bitten as she lays helplessly on the ground. The dog then turns on two men who intervene, dragging one to the ground before going for his head and neck. It was a miracle no one was killed. For too long, the government – which has the power to ban these violent and horrible dogs – has sat on its hands. Now, though, it might finally be waking up to the threat. Suella Braverman is seeking 'urgent advice' on banning the Bully XL. The Home Secretary’s intervention comes amid mounting public concern about these dogs that have been causing carnage across the country.

The American bully XL is, despite its name and reputation, said to be good with children and a friendly dog. However, it can turn, with terrible consequences. A father of two young children was killed by a dog, believed to be an XL bully, in Leigh, Greater Manchester, last week. Jonathan Hogg, 37, had apparently been playing with the dog when it suddenly went for his throat. Hogg didn't stand a chance against such a powerful creature. Since 2021, XL bullies – and one XL cross – have killed seven people in the UK, three of them children: Bella Rae Birch, 17 months, Alice Stones, four, and ten-year-old Jack Lis.