Emergency Plea: Police Search for Dangerous XL Bully After Fatal Attack

In a distressing turn of events, Lancashire Police have issued an urgent appeal to the public for assistance in locating an XL Bully dog that has been involved in a tragic attack. The incident, which occurred on Wednesday afternoon, has raised serious concerns about public safety and the implications of the recent ban on this breed.

The Incident: A Fatal Attack

The XL Bully, a breed that has recently been banned in England and Wales, was being walked along the scenic Seat Naze hill path in Waterfoot, Lancashire, when it attacked a Staffordshire Bull Terrier named Alfie. The attack was severe, resulting in the tragic death of Alfie from his injuries. The dog’s owner, a woman who was walking Alfie at the time, also sustained injuries to her hand, although they are not believed to be serious.

Witnesses reported that the owner of the XL Bully fled the scene with the dog immediately following the attack. Police were alerted to the incident at 2:38 PM, and efforts to locate the XL Bully have been ongoing since.

Police Response and Arrest

In the wake of the attack, Lancashire Police have taken swift action. On Saturday, they arrested a 29-year-old man from Rossendale on suspicion of allowing a dog to be dangerously out of control. He has since been released on bail while the investigation continues. The police have described the incident as "really distressing" and have emphasized the importance of public safety in their ongoing efforts to locate the dangerous dog.

Public Appeal for Information

Lancashire Police have released a photograph of the XL Bully, which is described as having a tan-colored coat with a white chest and wearing a reddish-brown collar. They are urging anyone with information about the dog’s whereabouts or anyone who witnessed the attack to come forward. The police can be contacted via email at 3000@lancashire.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting log 734 of October 23, 2024. For immediate sightings of the dog, the public is advised to call 999.

The Ban on XL Bullies: Context and Concerns

The XL Bully breed has been under scrutiny for its aggressive behavior, leading to a ban that came into effect on February 1, 2024, in England and Wales, with Scotland following suit on February 23. Under this legislation, it is illegal to sell, abandon, give away, breed, or walk an unleashed and unmuzzled XL Bully. Despite the ban, recent figures from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) indicate that over 55,000 XL Bully dogs may still be roaming the streets of Britain.

The consequences of breaching these regulations are severe, with offenders facing up to six months in prison and/or fines reaching £5,000. The ongoing presence of these dogs raises significant concerns about public safety and the effectiveness of the ban.

Community Impact and Future Implications

The tragic incident involving Alfie has not only devastated his owner but has also sent shockwaves through the local community. Residents are understandably concerned about the potential dangers posed by XL Bullies still in circulation. The police’s inability to locate the dog involved in the attack has further heightened fears, prompting discussions about the need for more stringent measures to ensure public safety.

As the investigation unfolds, the community is left grappling with the implications of the XL Bully ban and the responsibilities of dog owners. The tragic loss of Alfie serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers posed by certain breeds and the importance of responsible pet ownership.

Conclusion

The search for the XL Bully involved in the fatal attack on Alfie continues, with police urging the public to assist in locating the dangerous animal. As the community mourns the loss of a beloved pet, it is crucial to reflect on the broader issues surrounding dog ownership, breed-specific legislation, and public safety. The tragic events in Waterfoot highlight the urgent need for effective measures to prevent such incidents in the future, ensuring that both pets and people can coexist safely in our communities.