XL bully dogs euthanised after fatal park attack

Three XL bully dogs that attacked a much smaller dog in Derby have been euthanised.

Derbyshire Police said the dogs were seized after terrier cross, Spirit, was attacked in Rykneld Park on 23 January, with owner Blake McElhatton telling the BBC of his heartache at the 15-year-old pet being put down by a vet due to the severity of his injuries.

The force has now confirmed the three dogs seized were destroyed after it was decided they were of the XL bully breed.

A ban was introduced in England and Wales in 2024 following a number of attacks involving the breed.

McElhatton said he had struggled with his mental health since his beloved pet was attacked while being walked by his housemate, Otto Harta.

"I've been having nightmares, flashbacks, I've been really ill and unable to sleep," said the 31-year-old.

"My mind's been racing hundreds of miles per hour and now I'm seeking therapy."

In January, Derbyshire Police said officers had been called to reports a dog had been attacked by three other dogs - reported to look like XL bullies - in Saint David's Close.

"Officers and a dog warden attended the scene and three dogs were seized," a police spokesperson said.

McElhatton welcomed the update that the dogs which attacked Spirit had been euthanised.

"I'm glad that they're not on the streets anymore. They needed to be put down because they're not safe. They could have hurt a child that day or other dogs," he said.

"It's been the most painful situation ever and I wouldn't want anyone else to go through what I have had to endure".

A 36-year-old woman from Derby was arrested after the attack on suspicion of "allowing a fighting dog to be in a public place without a muzzle or lead".

The force said an investigation was ongoing and there had been no charges to date.

Meanwhile McElhatton has also started a petition calling for the government to review the Dangerous Dog Act 1991 and for dog ownership licensing to be reintroduced.

Shortly after January's attack, a 36-year-old woman from Derby was arrested and bailed on suspicion of "allowing a fighting dog to be in a public place without a muzzle or lead".

The police have now informed McElhatton that the three dogs seized have been destroyed after they were identified as XL bullies.

Confirming the update to the BBC, a police spokesperson added that an investigation is ongoing and at present there are no charges.

Listen to BBC Radio Derby on Sounds and follow BBC Derby on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210.