17 October 2023 , 17:23
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Police have confirmed that an XL Bully dog was shot dead in the grounds of a primary school after attacking its owner yesterday.
Officers were called after reports of a woman being attacked by her pet in her back garden and “screaming for help.” The incident occurred in Dereham, Norfolk at 3pm on Monday. The woman, in her 60s, was mauled by the animal, which then escaped from the house and was hunted by officers down to the car park of a local primary school.
At the time, students and staff were still inside Brisley Church of England Primary Academy. According to police, the animal was found by officers in the park after someone secured it to a post. Officers tried to contact vets for assistance to sedate the dog, but none were able to attend. After the incident, headteacher Belinda Allen said: "Our school staff were alerted by the police that there was a dangerous dog and immediately actioned staff to clear the area. There was no immediate danger to staff or children within the school area."
The victim, in her 60s, was attacked by her own dog (stock image) (Getty Images)A police spokesman said: "Due to the threat to the wider public, and with permission of the owners, the dog was destroyed.” The victim is now recovering from multiple injuries, which are not life threatening, at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.
Inspector Diana Woodage said: “This was a terribly sad and distressing situation. Officers were faced with an incredibly difficult situation when they arrived at the scene – a woman being viciously attacked by her dog and she was very clearly injured and in some pain. In the interests of public safety and at the request of the owner, the dog was humanely destroyed."
Girl, 4, mauled to death in dog attack pictured as neighbours hear mum's screams
The dog was called Denvor and was adopted from Dogs Trust Snetterton less than a month ago, the Eastern Daily Press reports. He had "no history of aggression" with the trust believing him to have "settled well into his new home." A Dogs Trust spokeswoman said: "Our priority at this time is to provide as much support as possible to people affected by this incident, and we will be undertaking a thorough investigation."
American XL bullies are due to be banned by the government in response to a series of attacks, some of which have been deadly.