Police in Warrington were forced to take drastic action after an 84-year-old man was attacked by XL Bullies, resulting in the man being critically injured. The incident took place on Monday, February 24, at Bardsley Avenue when the pensioner was mauled in a garden by a dog believed to be an XL Bully. The armed police quickly arrived at the scene, where they had to fatally shoot the attacking dog outside the property, and another presumed XL Bully was also shot inside the premises. A third smaller dog was safely removed from the area. Cheshire Police later confirmed that a total of 19 shots were fired due to the “sheer size and ferocity of these animals.”
The injured man was immediately transferred to Aintree Hospital for urgent medical attention. As a result of the incident, a 29-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of owning a dangerously out-of-control dog that caused serious injuries. Authorities are also searching for a 40-year-old man connected to the case, as reported by the Liverpool Echo. Chief Constable Mark Roberts of Cheshire Constabulary described the attack as horrifying, emphasising that the victim was simply walking in the street when he was viciously attacked by an unregistered XL Bully. Roberts highlighted the inherent danger these dogs pose, likening them to weapons with unpredictable safety mechanisms.
Roberts commended the swift action taken by firearms officers, who had to discharge 19 shots to neutralize the threat posed by the XL Bullies. He stressed the importance of enforcing regulations surrounding these aggressive breeds, noting that over 100 XL Bullies have already been removed from the streets of Cheshire. Roberts reiterated the commitment of the police force to hold those who do not comply with regulations accountable and ensure public safety. The victim of the attack is currently receiving necessary medical treatment, though the psychological impact of the incident is expected to be long-lasting.
The incident serves as a grim reminder of the potential dangers posed by aggressive dog breeds and the importance of responsible ownership. The community in Warrington has been left shocked by the violent attack, and local residents are urged to remain vigilant and report any dangerous dog behavior to the authorities promptly. Anyone with information related to the incident is encouraged to contact Cheshire Police via their website or by calling 101 and quoting reference IML 2034464.
Cheshire Police’s swift response to the XL Bullies attack highlights the critical role law enforcement plays in ensuring public safety and upholding regulations. The incident underscores the need for vigilance and adherence to regulations concerning dangerous dog breeds to prevent similar tragic events in the future. The impact of the attack on the victim’s life serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating consequences of irresponsible dog ownership and the importance of proactive enforcement of regulations to protect both individuals and communities.