Police say XL Bully that killed girl, 10, was family pet of four years as it is put down

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

The dog that fatally attacked a 10-year-old girl had been a family pet for four years and has been identified as an XL Bully-type breed.

North Yorkshire Police confirmed last night that the dog, which turned on Savannah Bentham and killed her near Malton on Friday, November 1, has been put down.

Savannah was attacked by the dog, with whom her family say she shared "a close, loving relationship". Police say the attack was out of character for the family pet that had been with them for four years.

Savannah's family had all the necessary paperwork for the now banned breed and the dog had been neutered. The family had adhered to the new breed laws, including obtaining a Certificate of Exemption under the legislation that came into effect in February 2024, reports YorkshireLive. READ MORE: Man, 52, denies 'punch' at petrol station that caused death two years later A force spokesperson said: "Earlier today (Tuesday 5 November 2024), the dog involved in this tragic incident has been euthanised by a vet.