An urgent search is underway for an XL Bully dog that fatally attacked another dog and bit a woman near Greater Manchester. The incident occurred on Seat Naze Hill walking path off Burnley Road East in Rossendale, resulting in the death of Alfie, a Staffordshire bull terrier. The owner of Alfie also sustained injuries to her hand in the attack, although they are not considered serious.
The XL Bully’s owner fled the scene with the dog, prompting Lancashire Police to launch a search for the animal. A 29-year-old man from Rossendale was arrested on suspicion of allowing a dog to be dangerously out of control in connection with the incident. He has been released on bail as investigations continue.
Efforts are ongoing to locate the XL Bully, and anyone with information about the dog’s whereabouts or who witnessed the attack is urged to contact the police. The incident comes amid a rise in dog attacks, despite a ban on XL Bully dogs. The ban, implemented in February 2023 in England and Wales, requires owners of XL Bully dogs to obtain an exemption certificate, have the animal neutered, microchipped, and keep it muzzled and on a lead in public.
If you have any information about the incident, you can reach out to the police by emailing 3000@lancashire.police.uk or calling 101, quoting log 734 of October 23, 2024. In case of immediate sightings of the dog, dial 999. Let’s all work together to ensure the safety of our community and prevent such tragic incidents from happening again.