A woman has been airlifted to hospital with life-changing injuries after a suspected XL Bully attack in Bristol.
The woman, in her 40s, was bitten by the dog at a home in Sutton Avenue at about 4.15pm today.
Officers used protective shields when storming the home.
Are XL bullies banned in the UK?
The XL bully, a relatively new dog breed in Britain, has been banned since February 1, 2024, following an increase in fatal dog attacks.
The breed is a mix of pit bull and other terriers as well as bulldogs. As the ‘XL’ suggests, they can weigh a hefty 60kg and measure 20 inches from the ground to their shoulders.
It is a criminal offence to own an XL Bully dog in England and Wales unless you have a valid Certificate of Exemption.
The dogs must also be neutered, kept in a secure place where they can’t escape, muzzled and kept on a lead in public. Owners must be 16 or older and have third-party public liability insurance coverage.
It is illegal to breed, buy, sell, adopt, rehome or abandon the breed.
The woman was sent to the hospital by land ambulance.
‘The dog is secured at the property and officers remain at the scene pending the arrival of specialist dog handlers,’ the police said.
