Two dogs that fatally attacked a grandmother in Essex have been identified as XL bullies, police confirmed on Friday (February 9). The 68-year-old woman was visiting her grandson at her Jaywick home on Saturday (February 3) when she was attacked. The attack on Esther Martin ended only after a police officer shot and killed the animal. There has been much speculation as to the breed of the dogs, but a recent necropsy revealed that the dogs were indeed XL bullies.
The dog's owner, Ashley Warren, 39, was arrested by police on suspicion of dangerous crimes against dogs and was released on police bail until March.
“We know there is a huge amount of speculation going on about the breed and type of dog involved, but it was vital that we got that information right and established the facts,” Chief Superintendent Sgt. Stuart Weaver said.
“We have a duty to Esther and her family to ensure that we are thorough, professional and, above all, fair,” he added.
Owner calls for eradication of this breed
After Esther Martin's death, her owners are now calling for the breed to be eradicated. Mr Warren, from Jaywick, said: [the dogs] as a risk.
“If my dog did the same thing to her when I've only seen love, then that means there's a killer switch in that breed,” he added.
Esther Martin's family accuses her owner of ignorance
Meanwhile, Esther Martin's family claimed the attack was not caused by the dog, but by Warren's attitude towards animals.
WATCH: UK: American XL bully dogs banned. Prime Minister Sunak: 'It is urgent that we ban this hybrid breed'
According to the BBC, Mr Martin's daughter Sonia Martin, 47, claimed the dogs were “locked up in a small cabin”, adding: “How can that ever be good for an animal?” Ta.
Mr Warren is also thought to have opposed new regulations introduced by the UK government regarding XL bully dogs.
After hearing about the regulations, Warren is believed to have said: “Don't tell me what to do with my fucking dog.”
(Information provided by agency)
