Builder mauled by XL Bully who ‘ripped flesh from his bones’ after escaping while owner offered him cup of tea
A horrific incident occurred in Norwich on January 21, when a builder was brutally attacked by an XL Bully dog named Ozzy during a brief tea break. The dog, which was being looked after by Daniel Savino, 46, on behalf of its owner, managed to escape from the house and launch a vicious assault on the unsuspecting builder. The attack was so ferocious that it left the man with severe injuries, including ripped flesh and exposed bone on his leg. The victim, who is self-employed, has not only suffered physical harm but also faces financial difficulties as he is currently unable to work. The incident highlights the dangers posed by certain breeds of dogs, particularly the XL Bully, which has been responsible for a disproportionate number of dog-related attacks and fatalities in the UK.
The attack on the builder is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of dog attacks, which can have a lasting impact on the victims and their families. The builder, who was simply taking a break from his work, was subjected to a traumatic experience that will likely leave him with physical and emotional scars for a long time. The fact that the dog was able to escape from the house despite the owner’s assurance that it would be kept inside raises questions about the responsibility of dog owners and the measures they take to prevent such incidents. The incident also underscores the need for stricter laws and regulations governing the ownership of certain breeds of dogs, particularly those that are known to be aggressive and violent. In this case, the XL Bully breed has been identified as a high-risk breed, and legislation has been introduced to restrict its ownership and breeding.
The legislation, which came into effect in February 2024, makes it illegal to own an XL Bully without an exemption certificate. The law also requires owners to muzzle their dogs in public and imposes penalties on those who fail to comply. Despite these measures, there have been several reported cases of XL Bully attacks in the UK, including a tragic incident in which a 68-year-old woman, Esther Martin, was killed by two XL Bullies in front of her grandson. Another incident involved a 19-year-old woman, Giliana Milner, who was attacked by an XL Bully while working at an animal rescue center. These incidents demonstrate the ongoing risk posed by this breed and the need for continued vigilance and action to prevent such attacks.
The case of Ozzy, the XL Bully that attacked the builder, is particularly disturbing given that the dog had been registered as exempt from the new legislation. However, the attack may lead to a destruction order being issued, which would result in the dog being put down. The owner had taken out an insurance policy on the dog, which would provide a payout of £12,000 in the event of an incident. Daniel Savino, who was looking after the dog on the day of the attack, has pleaded guilty to being in charge of a dog that was dangerously out of control and will be sentenced on September 25. The defense solicitor argued that the attack was “out of character” for the dog and that it was an “unfortunate slip” that allowed the dog to escape. However, the fact remains that the dog was able to inflict serious harm on the builder, and the consequences of the attack will be felt for a long time.
The incident has sparked a wider debate about the responsibility of dog owners and the need for stricter laws to govern the ownership of certain breeds. While some argue that the owners of XL Bullies should be held accountable for the actions of their dogs, others contend that the breed itself is not inherently violent and that responsible ownership is the key to preventing attacks. However, the statistics are clear: since 2021, XL Bullies have been responsible for more than 70% of all dog-related deaths in the UK. This grim reality underscores the need for urgent action to prevent further attacks and to protect the public from the risks posed by this breed. As the UK continues to grapple with the issue of dog attacks, it is clear that a comprehensive approach is needed, one that balances the rights of dog owners with the need to protect the public from harm.
In conclusion, the attack on the builder by the XL Bully Ozzy is a sobering reminder of the dangers posed by certain breeds of dogs. The incident highlights the need for stricter laws and regulations governing the ownership of these breeds, as well as the importance of responsible dog ownership. As the UK continues to debate the issue of dog attacks, it is clear that a comprehensive approach is needed to prevent further incidents and to protect the public from harm. The victims of these attacks, including the builder and others who have suffered at the hands of XL Bullies, deserve justice and compensation for their suffering. The case of Ozzy and the ongoing debate about XL Bullies serve as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and action to prevent these tragic incidents from occurring in the future.
