XL Bully ban explained after 'loving' dog mauls girl, 10, to death in family home

Schoolgirl Savannah Bentham, 10, was found dead at her home in Malton, North Yorkshire, on November 1 after being attacked by the family's dog - an American Bully XL

Following the tragic death of a young schoolgirl mauled by the pet dog she previously boasted about owning, an expert has explained the ban on XL Bully dogs.

Savannah Bentham, ten, was found dead by her distraught mother at their home in Malton, North Yorkshire, on November 1. She was heard screaming “my baby is dead, my baby is dead" by neighbours, who had overheard Savannah talking proudly about her family's new pet.

A local farmer confirmed the dog responsible was an XL bully. Earlier today, her family said in a tribute: "We are utterly shocked and devastated by what happened to Savannah. We can’t believe we have lost our wonderful girl who we love so much.

“We thank everyone for their support and kindness as we struggle to come to terms with our loss. We ask our family’s privacy is respected while we grieve for Savannah.”

Police have confirmed the dog will be destroyed. In the wake of the girl's tragic death, expert Justine Dexter, an Associate Solicitor at East Midlands law firm Smith Partnership, has explained the ban on XL Bullies. She said: “Ownership of American bully XL dogs is restricted under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, meaning it is a banned breed in England and Wales along with the Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, and the Fila Brasileiro.

“The law was implemented in stages but from the 1st of February 2024 it is an offence to possess an XL Bully without an exemption certificate. The deadline for applying for the certificate was the 31st of January 2024. It is also illegal to breed, sell, advertise, gift, exchange, abandon or let XL Bully dogs stray. The offence carries up to 6 months imprisonment.

“[When a dog is seized] the police will undertake a “type” assessment. This is usually undertaken by a specialist officer known as a Dog Legislation Officer (DLO). If their opinion is that the dog is an XL Bully, then they will place the dog in their approved kennels.

“There is no right for the owner to visit the dog during this time. The location of the kennels is kept secret. The next step would normally be for the police to invite the client to the police station for a voluntary interview, asking questions about the type of dog the client believed the animal to be, where it was purchased, who owns it, etc.

If the client admits that the dog is an XL Bully that hasn’t been registered, then the client maybe asked to sign a waiver giving up the ownership of the dog. The reality is the dog would then be euthanised, as there is no power to rehome.”

She added as of April 22, 2024, the government said it had processed 395 valid euthanasia compensation claims, at a cost of £76,500. She further explained people who feel their dog was incorrectly seized should instruct a lawyer and Legal aid may be available.

However, costs can quickly build up as a dog costs approximately £25/35 per day to kennel, and there can be additional costs such as vet’s fees. If the client pleads guilty or is found guilty, the prosecution will apply for a compensation order to cover these costs. They can quickly run into thousands of pounds.