A man has died after a dog attack in central England, emergency services said on Friday, September 15. It was the latest in a spate of attacks that prompted Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to promise action.
Emergency services were called to reports on Thursday that a man had been seriously injured near Birmingham after being bitten by two dogs. “Upon arrival we found a man who had suffered multiple life-threatening injuries and was in a critical condition,” West Midlands Ambulance Service said. “Unfortunately, upon arrival at the hospital, despite all efforts, it became clear that nothing more could be done to save him (and) his death was confirmed.”
A 30-year-old man was arrested on Thursday on suspicion of causing dogs to get dangerously out of control, Staffordshire Police said. Police are now investigating the breeds of the dogs involved, but Sunak said the suspect was an American Bully XL, known for his stocky and muscular appearance.
“Deadly Danger”
The issue of dangerous dogs has reached the highest levels of British politics following a series of attacks. An 11-year-old girl was seriously injured after being attacked by an XL American Bully puppy and a Staffordshire Bull Terrier on Saturday. The incident prompted Interior Minister Suella Braverman to seek “urgent advice” on whether the XL American Bully breed should be banned. “This is horrific,” she tweeted after the attack. “The American XL Bully is a clear and deadly threat to our communities, especially children. We can’t continue like this. I have commissioned urgent advice for a ban.”
Sunak added on Friday: “It is clear that this is not about a handful of poorly trained dogs. It is a pattern of behavior and it cannot continue.” “While owners already have a responsibility to keep their dogs under control, I would like to reassure people that we are working urgently to stop these attacks and protect the public. “Today I tasked ministers with bringing together police and experts to first define the breed of dog behind these attacks and then outlaw them.”
The Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino and Fila Brasileiro are currently banned in the UK. The American Bully XL is related to the Pit Bull Terrier, although it is larger, but is not subject to any legal restrictions. It is not recognized as a breed by the country’s Kennel Club, complicating efforts to regulate it.
Sunak said defining race was crucial. “We will then ban the breed under the Dangerous Dogs Act and new laws will come into force by the end of the year,” he added. “These dogs are dangerous. I want to reassure the public that we will take all necessary steps to keep people safe.”
Source : www.lemonde.fr