'XL bully' that mauled cocker spaniel to death seized as police make arrest

14 November 2023 , 15:54

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Luna the dog with her owner Claire

A man has been arrested and a dog seized after a fatal attack in Staffordshire earlier this month.

Staffordshire Police said that a man was walking his dog - believed to be an XL bully - when the animal attacked a cocker spaniel, whose owner was also bitten. The spaniel suffered serious injuries and later died while its female owner was not seriously injured.

The incident happened in Tamworth Castle Grounds at around 3pm on November 5. On Monday, a 22-year-old man from the town was arrested on suspicion of owning a dog dangerously out of control causing injury and has since been released on bail.

Luna was a much loved-pet

The dog has been seized and put in secure accommodation. In a statement, the force said: “We would like to thank those who have already come forward with information about what happened. We understand the concern this incident has caused in the local community and we’d like to reiterate that our investigation is still ongoing.

Officers are still keen to speak to anyone who saw what happened or those with footage of the area at the time.” Anyone with information that may help inquiries should contact the force quoting incident 382 of November 5.

Girl, 4, mauled to death in dog attack pictured as neighbours hear mum's screams

The attack happened seconds after owner Claire Goodwin and her children had been discussing how much they loved Luna, who was a gift from her partner. The 49-year-old wept as she relived the "timid" dog's fate.

She said: "We were talking about how much we loved Luna and how precious she was. I glanced to my left and I saw a dog - I've never seen a look in a dog's eyes like it." She claimed the dog was an XL Bully and said it rushed towards them, forcing Claire's daughter to pick up Luna in a bid to shield her from harm.

Callum Parke