A 12-year-old boy was severely injured after being attacked by an XL Bully that escaped from a home in the UK.
The boy, trying to run from the dog named Hugo, slipped and fell. The dog pinned him down and bit his neck and arm.
The boy managed to run to a neighbor’s house. The dog owner, 41-year-old Meacalla Newcombe, was in the shower when her dog escaped that day. She later faced legal charges.
Newcombe admitted her dog was out of control, causing serious injury. Following the incident last May, the judge gave her a 12-month order, mandating unpaid work and compensation.
A dog expert’s report, carefully reviewed by the judge, stated that the dog was not inherently dangerous. However, the judge ordered dog restrictions and safety measures to be put in place.
The attack occurred around 7:20 p.m. while the boy was walking home. He heard a growl behind him, turned, and saw the large, collarless, and leashless dog.
The boy attempted to flee, but he slipped, allowing the dog to jump on him and push him to the ground. The dog used its paws to hold him down as the boy curled up defensively.
He covered his head, shifting his hands to avoid bites, only for the dog to bite his head. While trying to push Hugo away, the dog bit his elbow.
The boy eventually escaped, finding safety with a neighbor’s help. The dog damaged his shirt and phone. His dad took him to the hospital for treatment.
Doctors treated the boy’s wounds, including a deep cut on his neck and a wound on his ear. The boy recounted being very scared, stating the pain was secondary to the fear he experienced.
He is now in counseling, struggling with the fear of playing outside. He finds it difficult to explain his feelings to friends who invite him to join them.
Despite the attack, the boy still loves dogs and does not want Hugo to be harmed. While he doesn’t want anyone else hurt, the dog can legally be owned because Newcombe had a special certificate.
Newcombe expressed deep remorse for the boy and the incident. She explained that her son rarely used the door and Hugo is her husband’s pet, loved by the entire family.
Her lawyer described it as a terrible event, a terrifying experience for the boy, who thankfully will recover. Newcombe tried to quickly help the boy and apologize.
Newcombe’s lawyer said she is deeply sorry and described the event as random. Dog experts believe Hugo is not a danger. A normal order may destroy dogs.
The judge considered the event shocking; while Newcombe failed to prevent the dog’s escape, she had taken some prior safety precautions, such as prohibiting children from supervising the dog unsupervised.
After reading the dog expert’s report, the judge acknowledged he cannot predict the future. The dog did not shake the boy hard and there were no prior complaints about Hugo. He ordered community service and dog rules, including a muzzle on leads.
Hugo must also undergo training.