Boy, 8, Mauled by XL Bully Dog in Shocking Bootle Attack
An eight-year-old boy was brutally attacked by an XL Bully dog while playing near Wadham Road, Bootle, Merseyside on Saturday, February 10. The youngster suffered serious head wounds and was rushed to hospital, where he remains in a critical but stable condition.
Police Act Fast: Dog Seized, Two Arrested
Merseyside Police responded swiftly around 5:20 pm. They seized the XL Bully and arrested a 30-year-old man and a 49-year-old woman on suspicion of allowing a dog dangerously out of control to cause injury.
“This was a horrific attack,” said Detective Inspector Gary Stratton. “The injuries inflicted on the boy are life-changing. We are ensuring he gets the best possible care.”
Investigation Underway – Witnesses Urgently Needed
Police are hunting for anyone who saw the attack or has information to help. Officers have carried out house-to-house inquiries and are reviewing CCTV footage to build a full picture of the incident.
XL Bully Danger Sparks New Concerns
- Since February 1, owning an XL Bully in England and Wales without a Certificate of Exemption is illegal.
- Recent attacks, including one in London’s Battersea Park and a fatal mauling in Jaywick, Essex, have raised alarm bells about public safety and dog control enforcement.
- Medical experts warn injuries from XL Bully dogs are severe, calling for strict rules and responsible ownership to prevent more tragedies.
Merseyside Police continue to urge anyone with tips on this or other dangerous dog incidents to step forward. The two suspects remain in custody as the investigation presses on.
