By GB News (World News) | Created at 2025-04-01 21:56:12 | Updated at 2025-04-03 00:58:02
1 day ago
The family of 84-year-old John McColl, who died after being mauled by an XL bully have paid tribute to their beloved grandfather.
McColl succumbed to his injuries on Sunday - more than a month after the attack on February 24.
The pensioner had been walking home along Bardsley Avenue when he was pounced upon by the animal, which dragged him into a garden and savaged him.
Despite the best efforts of hospital medics, McColl died at 1.40pm on March 30.
Armed police were later forced to fire 19 shots to kill the beast, believed to have been an "unregistered XL bully", and another suspected XL bully at the same property.
A third smaller dog at the property was also seized by authorities.
Despite the best efforts of hospital medics, McColl died at 1.40pm on March 30
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A 30-year-old man from Warrington was later charged with one count of being the owner of a dog dangerously out of control causing serious injury
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The last year on record saw 30,539 offences of a dog injuring a person or guide dog
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He added that specialist officers are providing support to the family during this "truly awful time".
The officer noted that, despite McColl fighting "so hard", his injuries proved too severe.
It has been an offence to own an XL bully dog in England and Wales without a valid certificate of exemption since last February.
The powerfully-built animals must be muzzled and kept on a lead in public under regulations introduced last February.
Dog attacks have risen by a fifth in one year, with police recording more than 80 incidents every single day.
The last year on record saw 30,539 offences of a dog injuring a person or guide dog - up from 25,291 in 2022.
