A man has been tragically killed by his own XL bully dog at his home in Accrington, Lancashire, according to local police. David Daintree, 53, was found dead at around 9:30 p.m. BST on Tuesday evening after a fatal attack by his pet.
Emergency services were initially alerted by the ambulance service, which had received reports of the man being attacked. Upon arriving at the scene at Ashley Court, police found Mr. Daintree with fatal injuries.
The XL bully dog was still present and was deemed to pose an ongoing and significant threat to public safety. In response to the immediate danger, officers were left with no choice but to shoot the dog to prevent it from causing further harm.
Lancashire Police have launched a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. Superintendent Marie Jackson addressed the media, expressing condolences to Mr. Daintree’s family and stating that specialist officers are providing support to them during this difficult time.
“This is a tragic incident, and our thoughts are very much with Mr. Daintree’s loved ones,” Supt Jackson said.
“An investigation into the circumstances is ongoing, and I would appeal to anyone with any information to get in touch. We will have extra officers out and about in the area carrying out enquiries, and I would urge anyone with information or concerns to speak to them.”
The nature of the attack has raised serious concerns about the safety of owning such breeds of dogs and the protocols for handling aggressive incidents involving pets. The XL bully breed, known for its muscular build and strength, has been subject to increased scrutiny in recent years due to incidents of aggression.
The police investigation is focusing on understanding the factors that led to this tragic event. Detectives are appealing to the public for any additional information that might assist in their inquiries. They are also working closely with local communities to ensure that any further concerns or questions are addressed promptly.
Residents of Accrington have been left shocked and saddened by the incident, with many expressing their condolences to Mr. Daintree’s family. The police are continuing to investigate and are expected to provide updates as more information becomes available.
In the wake of this incident, there is likely to be increased debate about dog ownership regulations and the responsibilities of pet owners to ensure the safety of their animals and others. The authorities will be reviewing current policies and procedures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
