Two Arrested After Infant Seriously Injured in Suspected XL Bully Attack

Authorities have apprehended two individuals following an incident in Kent where an eight-month-old infant sustained serious injuries from a dog. Law enforcement responded to a call at approximately 14:25 GMT on Wednesday concerning an infant bitten by a dog, identified as reportedly an XL bully, at Siskin Close in Hawkinge, a location close to Folkestone. According to police, the baby girl was transported by air ambulance to a London hospital, where her condition is described as serious. A woman aged 76 and a man aged 18 have been taken into custody on suspicion of being responsible for a dog that was dangerously out of control. The animal was confiscated and subsequently euthanized at the residence of the family. A family member informed the BBC that the dog, known as Hunter, had never previously displayed any aggressive behavior and that the incident was uncharacteristic. “For the dog to do what he did, for me, was totally out of the blue,” he stated. A different family member commented that the infant and the dog shared a close bond, describing them as “like two peas in a pod”. This individual also mentioned that the mother of the injured baby was “devastated”. “It is shocking. You see and hear about it all the time, but you don’t actually think it is going to happen to your own family,” she remarked. Police indicated that officers would maintain a presence in the vicinity to conduct investigations and offer reassurance to residents. Kent Police disclosed that in November 2023, an XL Bully was confiscated from Siskin Close after a report that its owner had sustained a minor finger injury from a bite. A police spokesperson stated: “The owner was asked to voluntarily surrender the dog to officers for destruction, but declined to do so.” “There were no legal grounds for officers to retain the dog in the circumstances, but the owner was asked to agree to accept the conditions of a police order, which included keeping the dog secure and supervised.” The dog was confiscated and later euthanized after the assault on the child on Wednesday. As of 1 February, possessing an XL bully breed in England and Wales without an exemption certificate constitutes a criminal offense. Owners of these dogs are required to have the animal neutered, microchipped, and kept muzzled and on a lead when in public, in addition to other regulations. For updates, follow BBC Kent on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story ideas can be submitted via email to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or by WhatsApp at 08081 002250. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for content on external websites and provides information on its external linking policy.