The tragic death of nine-month-old Jonte William Bluck after a savage attack by his family’s XL Bully dog has rocked Wales. The horror unfolded in Rogiet, Gwent, leaving a community reeling.
Baby Jonte Mauled to Death by Family’s XL Bully
Little Jonte suffered fatal head injuries after being viciously attacked by the six-year-old male black XL Bully while staying with his father, 30-year-old Jarrod Bluck, over the weekend.
Coroner Rose Farmer revealed Jonte died before reaching hospital on November 2. The cause of death was a compressive head injury consistent with a dog bite.
Authorities seized the dog and put it down shortly after the attack.
Two Arrested, Then Released as Investigation Deepens
Police have questioned a man in his 30s and a woman in her 20s on suspicion of allowing a “dangerously out of control dog” to attack the baby.
Both were also investigated for alleged child neglect but later released on bail while inquiries continue.
“The arrests were made as part of a wide range of enquiries that officers are carrying out to understand the circumstances of the death,” said ACC Vicki Townsend.
“It is vital that people think about how their online commentary, in particular social media posts, could impact the ongoing investigation and the criminal justice process.”
“Once again, my condolences and thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragic death.”
Dog Registered, Exempt But Possibly Spooked By Fireworks
The XL Bully was registered with DEFRA and held a certificate of exemption issued in 2024.
Neighbours reported the dog appeared spooked by fireworks in the run-up to Bonfire Night, which may have triggered the deadly attack.
The inquest into Jonte’s death has been adjourned until August 4, 2026, as investigators piece together the full story.
XL Bully Breed Under Fire Amid Surge in Deadly Attacks
- XL Bullies featured in half of all fatal dog attacks in recent years – 2 out of 4 in 2021 and 6 out of 10 in 2022.
- In 2023, the breed caused an estimated 44% of dog attacks despite representing less than 1% of UK dogs.
- Ex-PM Rishi Sunak branded XL Bullies dangerous, banning their sale, breeding, and transfer from Dec 31, 2023, without exemption.
- Owning an XL Bully without a certificate became a criminal offence from February 1, 2024.
- Over 20,000 dog attacks were reported in England and Wales in the first year after the ban.
This tragic case exposes the ongoing dangers posed by banned dog breeds, despite government crackdowns and legal restrictions.
