Jaywick dog attack: Two animals that battered grandmother, 68, to death in home WERE XL bullies, police confirm – The Sun
THE two animals who battered a grandmother to death were XL bullies, police confirmed today.
Esther MartinThe 68-year-old was brutally murdered by Bear and Beauty at an address in Jaywick, Essex, on Saturday.
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Police rushed to the property on Hillman Avenue where the pensioner was found seriously injured and pronounced dead shortly afterwards.
Esther was then caring for her 11-year-old grandson the vicious dogs snarled.
The two adults dogs It is said they launched their attack in the back room as her shocked grandson fled property to raise the alarm.
Both animals belonged to Esther's son-in-law Ashley Warren.
He was arrested on suspicion of dangerous dog offenses before being released on bail until March 5.
Police today confirmed that the two mutts, which were destroyed at the scene, were XL Bully breeds.
Chief Inspector Stuart Weaver said the physical characteristics of the two dogs were examined by a police-trained dog expert.
A forensic post-mortem examination was also carried out on them by a veterinarian.
“This combination confirmed that the dogs were XL Bullies,” Mr Weaver said.
He added: “I know there has been a huge amount of speculation about the breed and type of dog involved here, but it was really important that we got that information right and established the facts.”
Mr Weaver then thanked the courage of those who tried to help Esther during the mauling.
The attack came just days after a ban on XL Bully type dogs came into effect.
Warren, who previously described the rules as “a joke,” has since called for the rules race being “wiped out”.
Full statement from Chief Inspector Stuart Weaver
Chief Inspector Stuart Weaver said: “I know there has been a huge amount of speculation about the breed and type of dog involved, but it was really important that we got that information right and established the facts.
“We owe it to Esther and her family to ensure that we are thorough, professional and, above all, fair.
“XL Bully is not a dog breed per se, but a subcategory of the American Bully and identifying categories of a breed can be a complex process.
“A police-trained dog expert is required to examine the dog's physical characteristics using specific measurements, in accordance with guidelines published by the government.
“A forensic post-mortem was also carried out by a vet and through this combination it was confirmed that the dogs were XL Bullies.
“A team of experienced detectives are continuing their investigation into Esther's death and are continuing to make good progress.
“They are doing everything they can to get the answers her family needs about what happened and why.
“Specially trained family contact persons also continue to support them.
“I would like to reiterate our thanks to the members of the public who bravely tried to save Esther before our officers arrived on the scene.
“What you did was extremely courageous and a reflection of the values of the Jaywick community.
“I would also like to once again commend the fearless courage and professionalism of the officers who attended and whose actions kept the community safe.”
Warren told The Sun: “Never in a million years have I seen anything [the dogs] as a risk.
“If my dogs did that to her, even though I had never seen anything but love from them, that breed just has an amazing switch.
“I honestly thought the ban was a stupid plan by the government to wipe out a breed from which I had never seen anything but gentleness and love.
“Now I think they should be wiped out.
“Esther meant everything to my son and everything to me. I am sorry for everyone's loss, from the bottom of my heart.”
Hero neighbors ran to help and used shovels to break back into the house, with someone heard shouting: 'Are you alright? Give me a sign.”
Resident Julie Coleman, 62, said: “A man was shouting and banging his fist on the window.
“He picked up a rock and broke the window. Apparently there was blood everywhere. Her head was covered in blood.”
Under the new regulations, owners of XL Bullies must keep them muzzled and on a leash in public.
To qualify for an exemption certificate, they must prove that their dog was neutered no later than June 30 of last year.
Puppies that were less than a year old on Wednesday must be neutered by the end of this year.
Dangerous dog law explained
After eleven horrific attacks in 1991, Home Secretary Kenneth Baker vowed to “rid the country of the menace of these fighting dogs” by introducing the Dangerous Dogs Act.
The law is often considered controversial because it focuses on a dog's breed or appearance rather than an individual dog's behavior, and fails to curb the rise of dog attacks.
According to the RSPCAMore than a third of people killed by dogs since the law was introduced were attacked by legal breeds.
From December 31 last year, it became illegal under the law to sell, breed or give away XL Bully dogs.
From February 1, it became illegal in England and Wales to own an XL Bully dog without an exemption certificate.
Anyone who owns an XL Bully and does not adhere to the strict rules will have their dog removed and risk prosecution and a criminal record.
It comes after a spate of deadly attacks, with 11 deaths linked to XL bullies in just three years.
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