A 10-year-old girl was killed by her family's pet XL bully, an inquest has heard. Savannah Bentham was alone watching television with the six-year-old dog, named Biggie, when the attack occurred at their static caravan home in East Heslerton, Yorkshire, last November.
Her mother, Tracey, had briefly left to ask a relative to fix a faulty gas canister connection, while her father, Bradley, was at work. Upon returning, Tracey found Savannah lying in the foetal position and Biggie covered in blood. The dog was locked in a car while customers from a nearby business and paramedics attempted to resuscitate the schoolgirl, but she died at the scene from neck injuries.
Detective Chief Inspector Matthew Wilkinson told the inquest that there was no evidence the dog had ever behaved aggressively before. XL bullies are a banned breed under dangerous dog legislation, but the family had obtained an exemption certificate, registered the dog with a vet, had it chipped and neutered, and ensured it wore a muzzle in public. Until the attack, Biggie was described as a 'lazy dog' with no cause for concern.
A post-mortem examination on the dog found no 'physical or pathological alterations' that would have caused a 'burst of aggression'. The dog was subsequently put down. North Yorkshire's senior coroner, Jon Heath, recorded a narrative conclusion, stating Savannah died 'as a consequence of injuries inflicted on her by the family dog'.
In a statement issued by North Yorkshire Police, Savannah's family said: 'We are utterly shocked and devastated by what happened to Savannah. We can't believe we have lost our wonderful girl who we love so much.'
