Investigation underway after girl and two men bitten by American XL bully dog in Birmingham

Police are investigating after an 11-year-old girl and two men were bitten by an American XL bully dog in Birmingham.

The attack took place happened in Bordesley Green on Saturday 9 September.

The dog was being walked by its owner when it came loose and bit the girl as she walked past.

Two men intervened but were chased and bitten, leaving injuries on their shoulders and arms. They were taken to hospital to be treated for their injuries. 

The bully dog was initially taken to a local vet to be checked over before being taken into secure kennels while the investigation continues, and its owner has been spoken to by officers.

Home Secretary Suella Braverman is pushing for a ban on American XL bully dogs, saying they are a “clear and lethal danger” – particularly to children.

The Cabinet minister announced she has commissioned “urgent advice” on outlawing the dogs following the “appalling” attack.

However there are concerns that the American XL bully dog will be difficult to ban, as it is not a recognised as a specific breed by the Kennel Club and could result in the outlawing of other breeds.

A Dogs Trust spokesman said: "Dogs Trust wants to see the current dog control laws replaced with one consolidated law that allows for early intervention with a focus on the prevention of dog bite incidents and includes measures that deter and punish owners of dogs whose behaviour is dangerous.

"We will continue to look for reform in existing dog control laws until we are satisfied that any new measures are preventative, breed-neutral and effective, and ultimately protect both dogs and people alike."

There are currently four banned breeds of dog in the UK: the pit bull terrier, Japanese tosa, dogo Argentino and fila Brasileiro.

A Defra spokesman said: “We take dog attacks and anti-social behaviour very seriously and are making sure the full force of the law is being applied.

"This can range from lower-level Community Protection Notices – which require dog owners to take appropriate action to address behaviour – to more serious offences under the Dangerous Dogs Act, where people can be put in prison for up to 14 years, be disqualified from ownership or result in dangerous dogs being euthanised."

Anyone with information has been urged to get in touch via West Midlands Police's Live Chat function on their website, quoting log 3245 of 9/9.

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