Woman In Essex Fatally Injured While Trying to Calm Puppies

In Jaywick, near Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, a 68-year-old woman, Esther Martin, died on Saturday during a visit to her grandson. The daughter of the deceased, Sonia Martin, expressed her thoughts in an interview with BBC that her mother had attempted to divert fighting puppies with a broom when she was attacked. 

Ms. Martin mentioned that the dogs involved were banned XL bully dogs, but the police awaited confirmation from experts regarding the breed. A 39-year-old man, suspected of dangerous dog offenses, has been released on bail, and the two animals have been euthanized.

Ms. Martin’s daughter added that adult XL bully dogs were present on the property, and her mother had expressed concerns about their dangerous and aggressive nature to the owners. 

She believed the puppies were fighting, and her mother had been advised by the dog’s owner to use a broom to distract them. Ch Supt Glen Pavelin of Essex Police stated that the suspect had a “familial” relationship with Ms. Martin, who was a grandmother of eight and great-grandmother of three. Despite the investigation’s complexities, police reported “making good progress.”

What are XL bully dogs?

XL bully dogs are the largest type of American bully dog, characterized by a muscular body and blocky head. 

In England and Wales, XL bullies are banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, making breeding, selling, or abandoning them illegal. To keep XL bullies, owners must obtain a Certificate of Exemption, requiring insurance, neutering, and a fee of £92.40. 

The dogs must be leashed and muzzled in public. Scotland has also announced a ban set to take effect later in the year.