A 68-year-old woman, identified as Esther Martin, tragically lost her life after being attacked by dogs while visiting her grandson in Jaywick, England, officials reported.
The incident occurred inside a residence on Saturday, where Esther Martin was attacked by two dogs, according to Essex Police.
Acting Chief Inspector Taks Shah expressed admiration for the quick response of members of the public who attempted to intervene and save Esther’s life, demonstrating bravery and selflessness in the face of danger.
“I can say with confidence from my conversations with people today, their actions reflect what I know and what I love about this community,” Acting Chief Inspector Shah stated in a press release.
Chief Superintendent Glen Pavelin confirmed that both dogs involved in the attack were euthanized following the incident.
Authorities have arrested a 39-year-old man on suspicion of dangerous dog offenses in connection with the incident. The individual has since been released on conditional bail pending further investigation.
While the breed of the dogs has not been officially confirmed by police, Sonia Martin, the daughter of the victim, indicated to the BBC that they were XL Bully dogs, a breed recently prohibited in the UK.
“There were adult XL bully dogs in the property, and my mum had raised concerns to the owners about them being dangerous and quite aggressive,” Sonia Martin told the outlet. “There were also six puppies.”
Acting Detective Superintendent Stuart Truss stated that investigations are ongoing, with authorities collaborating with experts to determine the breed of the dogs involved in the attack.
Sonia Martin recounted her belief that her mother was attempting to intervene in a puppy fight when she was attacked, highlighting previous interactions with the dogs’ owner who advised using a broom to separate fighting animals.
Reflecting on the gravity of the situation, Sonia Martin expressed concern for her nephew, who was present during the attack, emphasizing the potential danger posed to him in such circumstances.
The tragic incident comes amid the recent enforcement of a ban on the XL Bully breed in the UK, effective from February 1. The ban prohibits the ownership of XL Bully dogs unless they are registered and compliant with stringent regulations, including mandatory neutering and muzzling in public.
According to government data, dog-related fatalities in the UK have seen a notable increase since the beginning of 2021, with several incidents involving XL Bully breeds, highlighting concerns over public safety and the regulation of dangerous dogs.
