Police Identify XL Bully as Dog Responsible for Girl’s Death

Authorities have confirmed that an XL bully pet dog was responsible for the fatal injury of a 10-year-old girl. North Yorkshire Police reported that the animal was euthanized following the death of Savannah Bentham at her residence near Malton, North Yorkshire, on Friday. Savannah succumbed to her injuries at the location, notwithstanding the intervention of medical personnel and a civilian who offered assistance to the family. According to a spokesperson, the dog had resided with the family for four years and possessed a Certificate of Exemption, issued under new legislation implemented in February. The spokesperson further noted that the animal had been neutered, consistent with the recent legal amendments. The police representative verified that a veterinarian humanely destroyed the dog on Tuesday, subsequent to “detailed independent assessments” conducted to ascertain its breed. “To aid the report for the coroner, an autopsy is due to take place on the dog to help determine if there were any medical factors involved,” the spokesperson stated. “These findings will be outlined at the inquest into the death of Savannah Bentham in due course.” Savannah’s family released a statement on Monday, expressing that they were “utterly shocked and devastated” by the passing of their “wonderful girl”. Savannah was a student at West Heslerton C of E Primary School in Malton, where her former head teacher, Rachel Wells, characterized her as a “model student” and a “friend to everyone”.