84-year-old Man Dies After Attack By XL Bully. How Dangerous Is This Dog Breed?

The incident occurred on 24 February while the 84-year-old was walking along Bardsley Avenue. The XL bully is believed to have escaped from a nearby house. Armed officers destroyed the dog and another dog inside the property. Officers fired 19 shots, all of which hit their targets, according to police. Cheshire Police reported that the man died in hospital on Sunday, BBC reported.

Detective Inspector Simon Mills said that the victim fought valiantly since the attack, but unfortunately, his injuries were too severe.

A 30-year-old man has been charged with owning a dangerously out-of-control dog causing serious injury and two counts under the Dangerous Dogs Act. Following the man’s death, the Crown Prosecution Service will now decide if the charges will be upgraded.

In February 2024, it became a criminal offence to own the XL bully breed in England and Wales without an exemption certificate. Owners must have the dogs neutered, microchipped, and kept muzzled and on a lead in public, among other restrictions.

Dog Attacks

The government banned the breed following a series of attacks on people and other dogs. Pit Bull Terriers, Japanese Tosas, Dogo Argentinos, Fila Brasileiros, and XL Bully dogs are among the breeds banned in the UK.

In 2023-24, there were nearly 11,000 hospital admissions due to dog bites in England, according to NHS England. In Wales, dog attacks led to over 600 hospital admissions, while Scotland saw more than 1,100.

The Office for Statistics (ONS) recorded seven fatalities from dog attacks in England and Wales during 2023-24, noting that this figure might be underestimated due to delays in registration. Official data does not specify the number of attacks or deaths by dog breed.

When the previous government announced the XL Bully ban in England and Wales, it stated that the breed had been “disproportionately involved" in recorded deaths since. There have been several cases where XL Bully dogs have fatally attacked their owners and children.

How Dangerous Are XL Bully Dogs?

An XL bully is the largest type of American bully dog. The UK government has issued guidance to help identify XL bullies, which are not recognised as a distinct breed. They are characterised as large dogs with a muscular build and a blocky head, indicating significant strength and power.

Male XL dogs are at least 20 inches (51 cm) tall at the shoulder, with females being slightly smaller. Dogs are classified as XLs if they meet the minimum height and many other characteristics.

In 2023, XL Bullies comprised less than 1% of the dog population in Britain, yet according to Bully Watch UK, they were responsible for 44% of dog attacks on people. Estimates suggest this breed is 270 times more dangerous than all other dog breeds combined. Their lineage contributes to their aggressive behaviour.

March 31, 2025, 19:36 IST