Dog which killed nine-month-old baby was XL Bully that had been registered before ban came into effect

The dog that killed a nine-month-old baby was an XL Bully dog ​​that was registered before the breed ban came into force.

The baby is believed to have been visiting relatives at a house in Gwent, South Wales, at the time of the tragedy. He was pronounced dead on Sunday.

Officers seized the dog from the property. See if it was a banned genre and has since been discontinued.

Now a Dog Regulation Officer has confirmed the dog is a six-year-old XL bully.

However, the police announced that the facility was registered with the Ministry of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and an exemption certificate was issued in 2024.

The baby boy, whose name has not been released, was on a home visit with his father in Rogiet, Gwent.

Neighbors feared the family’s dog was afraid of fireworks before attacking the child.

ACC Vicki Townsend said: ‘Although the dog in this case was registered as an XL bully, this was done very proactively before the ban came into force.

A floral memorial ceremony at the house where the child was killed. The baby was on a family visit with his father at the home in Rogiet, Gwent.

‘In preparation for the new law, owners were not required to officially state the breed of the dog when requesting an exemption certificate.

‘In cases where a prohibited species is suspected to be involved, only the DLO or a court-approved independent assessor can make a formal decision.

No arrests have been made at this time and this investigation is still ongoing and it was necessary for the dog to be formally identified.

‘We understand there is significant interest and concern around this incident and we have seen the community come together during this difficult time.

‘It is our responsibility as a police force to ensure that the death of a baby boy is fully investigated and so we again urge people to be responsible and consider the impact of speculation, rumors and comments on the family and the integrity of our investigation.

Neighbors feared the animal might have gone into a ‘panic’ and attacked the baby after ‘scary’ fireworks exploded nearby.

Well-wishers rallied to help the family and a fundraiser was launched by a local community group in Rogiet, near Caldicott, Gwent.

But the £3,500 target was surpassed in less than 24 hours, raising over £7,100, as kind-hearted people were keen to help.

The Caldicott Town Team, which launched the fundraiser, said: ‘Our deepest thoughts and condolences go out to the family at this unimaginably difficult time.

‘While no amount of money can ease their pain, we hope this gesture can help relieve some of the financial pressure and allow the family to focus on grieving and remembering their beautiful baby.

‘All funds raised will go directly towards covering funeral and memorial costs as a sign of respect and support for the family.’

The child’s father was consoled by family members and expert police teams.

Gwent Police Acting Chief Constable Townsend said: ‘The boy’s family is being supported by special constables. Our thoughts remain with them at this difficult time.

A crackdown to restrict the breeding and sale of XL Bullys came into force on 31 December 2023, following a series of horrific attacks on the public (stock image of XL Bully)

‘The dog was tranquilized and removed from the property and taken to a vet where he was admitted.

‘We are in the very early stages of the investigation and officers are continuing to carry out a number of inquiries to understand the circumstances of this tragic incident.

‘Research is still ongoing to determine the breed of the dog, it is important that we are sure of the breed and we will publish the information once it has been officially confirmed. No arrests were made.

‘We understand that an event such as this can have an impact on our communities, but we urge people not to speculate and to consider the impact speculation may have on family and family friends.’

The baby boy was born in January this year and locals said his father was ‘proud as punch’.

A woman who lives with the baby’s grandparents said: ‘This is just terrible news. We have lived next door to the family for many years and they are such sweet neighbors.

‘I can’t believe this is happening.’

Following a series of horrific attacks on the public, a crackdown to restrict the breeding and sale of XL Bullies came into force on 31 December 2023.

Then just months later in February, it became illegal to own the breed unless registered before the deadline.

The XL Bully became the fifth breed to be banned in Britain, joining the pit bull terrier, Japanese Tosa, Doga Argentino and Fila Braziliero.

When the new laws came out the government estimated there were around 10,000 XL Bully dogs in England and Wales. However, this was a very low estimate as the number was around 57,000.

However, despite the ban, reports of XL Bully attacks continue to come in.

In August, a heroic helicopter pilot shot and killed a crazed XL bully who was brutally attacking three people in the countryside.

Jon Earp landed his helicopter at a farm where he was called to multiple attacks on three victims who were ‘seriously injured’ by the angry dog.

The helicopter pilot was given a shotgun by a neighboring farmer and shot the dog, named Ricoh, four times in cold blood before anyone was injured.

The dog was so ferocious that it was completely unaffected by the first shot and needed four shots to be euthanized.

This is breaking news. More to follow.