Inquest Hears 10-Year-Old Died from XL Bully Attack Injuries

An inquest has been informed that a 10-year-old girl sustained fatal neck injuries following an attack by her family’s XL bully dog. Savannah Bentham was fatally wounded by the animal at her residence, a static caravan in the village of East Heslerton, near Malton, on 1 November, according to proceedings at Northallerton Coroner’s Court on Friday. Alison Norton, North Yorkshire’s assistant coroner, stated that Savannah “sustained fatal injuries” from the dog attack at her home address and was subsequently identified by her grandmother. During a brief hearing, Ms. Norton initiated the inquest into Savannah’s demise before adjourning it to an unspecified future date. North Yorkshire Police had previously reported that officers were dispatched to the location by the Yorkshire Ambulance Service around 16:15 GMT on 1 November. A spokesperson for the force indicated that Savannah passed away at the scene, notwithstanding treatment provided by medical professionals and a member of the public who offered assistance. Following the incident, a statement released by police included comments from Savannah’s family members, who expressed that they were “utterly shocked and devastated” by the events. “We can’t believe we have lost our wonderful girl who we love so much,” the family stated. North Yorkshire Police subsequently announced that officers were examining the reasons behind the dog’s attack on Savannah, as all evidence pointed to the behavior being uncharacteristic for the family pet. A police spokesperson confirmed that the family had possessed the XL bully for four years and held the requisite Certificate of Exemption mandated by new legislation. The dog had also undergone neutering, they added. Police reported that the XL bully was euthanized by a veterinarian after the deadly attack.