Derby Man's Heartbreak as Elderly Terrier Mauled to Death by Suspected XL Bullies
A Derby man has spoken out about the pure devastation of losing his beloved elderly dog after it was mauled to death by three powerful canines, believed to be the banned XL Bully breed. Blake McElhatton, 31, from Derby, was just one hour into his shift as a teaching assistant on Friday, January 23, when he received a distressing phone call that would change his life.
The Fatal Park Attack
The call came from his close friend Otto, who regularly walks McElhatton's two dogs. Otto had been walking 15-year-old terrier Spirit and 13-year-old Jack Russell Leo around Rykneld Park when three large dogs - strongly suspected to be XL Bullies - ambushed them without warning. The violent incident occurred near the Premier on St David's Close, off St Albans Road in the Littleover area of Derby.
Both dogs were bitten and clawed during the sustained attack, leaving them in profound shock. Multiple members of the public, including a postman, reportedly tried to intervene to save the vulnerable pets. One courageous onlooker managed to retrieve Leo and place him safely in the back of their car.
Community Intervention and Tragic Outcome
It reportedly took five people to eventually stop the aggressive dogs from continuing to maul Spirit, but tragically, their efforts came too late to save McElhatton's cherished companion. The attacking dogs inflicted catastrophic injuries, ripping Spirit's neck, puncturing his lungs, and severely damaging his leg.
McElhatton, originally from Chaddesden, described the horrific scene when he arrived at the veterinary clinic for emergency treatment. "When I arrived at the vets, they were both next to each other, side by side. I held them, but there was blood all over my hands," he recounted emotionally.
Deep Personal Loss and Trauma
The loss has left McElhatton mentally broken and traumatised. "I'd had Spirit since I was a child, and poor Leo has grown up with him as well. Spirit was also blind and had dementia, so seeing what those awful dogs had done to him was just terrible," he explained. "I haven't been able to sleep or stop thinking about it. It's left me mentally broken, I'm traumatised by what I saw."
Adding to the tragedy, Leo survived the attack but sustained serious injuries requiring intensive care. The Jack Russell spent time in the veterinary ICU and, against all odds, fought for survival. However, he is now lame from his injuries and deeply traumatised, having lost his lifelong companion.
Police Response and Breed Concerns
Derbyshire Police confirmed they were called to reports of three dogs, described as looking like XL Bullies, in St David's Close. While the breed has not been officially confirmed, XL Bullies are illegal to sell, abandon, give away, breed, or have in a public place without a lead and muzzle following their ban in England and Wales under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.
A police spokesperson stated: "Officers and a dog warden attended the scene and three dogs were seized. A 36-year-old woman from Derby was arrested on suspicion of allowing a fighting dog to be in a public place without a muzzle or lead and has been bailed while enquiries continue."
Community Support and Safety Concerns
McElhatton expressed particular concern about public safety, noting: "What upsets me is that this could have happened to anyone. There is a school just a few minutes' walk away, and this incident could have so easily led to something much worse."
The local community has responded with compassion. Floral tributes have been left on a tree near where Spirit was attacked, with community members leaving flowers and pictures. McElhatton has been taking Leo to visit these tributes, though the surviving dog has not been himself since losing his lifelong friend.
Memorial Efforts
A fundraiser has been established to raise funds for a memorial patch for Spirit in the countryside, along with covering cremation costs and additional expenses. The fundraising page describes how "poor Spirit did not stand a chance against these large dogs, being elderly and tiny and sadly lost his life."
The incident highlights ongoing concerns about dangerous dog breeds in public spaces and the profound emotional impact such attacks have on pet owners and their communities.
