A tragic incident involving a nine-month-old baby has brought renewed attention to the controversial XL Bully breed. The infant, who was visiting relatives in Gwent, South Wales, was declared deceased on Sunday following an attack by a dog.

Authorities quickly seized the animal from the home to determine whether it belonged to a banned breed. It has since been confirmed and euthanized. A Dog Legislation Officer later identified the dog as a six-year-old XL Bully.

Interestingly, police have disclosed that the dog had been registered with the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs and was issued a certificate of exemption back in 2024, prior to the ban on the breed taking full effect.

The baby boy, who has not been named publicly, was visiting the residence in Rogiet with his father at the time of this heartrending event. The incident underscores the ongoing debate over breed-specific legislation and the complexities involved in enforcing such laws.

But police revealed it was registered with the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs and a certificate of exemption was issued in 2024.

The baby boy, who hasn’t been named, was on the family visit with his father to the house in Rogiet.

Neighbours feared the dog – which was owned by the family – was spooked by fireworks before it savaged the boy.

ACC Vicki Townsend said: ‘While the dog in this case was registered as an XL bully, it was done so proactively before the ban came into effect.

Police outside home where dog savaged a nine-month-old baby to death in South Wales

Floral tributes at the house where the child was killed. The baby was on the family visit with his father to the house in Rogiet, Gwent

‘In preparation for the new law, when requesting a certificate of exemption, owners were not required to formally identify the dog’s breed.

‘In cases where a suspected banned breed is involved only a DLO or a court-approved independent assessor can make an official determination.

No arrests have been made at this time, and this is still an ongoing investigation, and official identification of the dog was necessary.

‘We understand that there is a significant amount of interest and concern about this incident, and we have seen the community rally together in this difficult time.

‘It is our responsibility as a police service to ensure that the death of a baby boy is fully investigated and so we again urge people to be responsible, and to consider the impact that speculation, rumour, and commentary can have on the family and on the integrity of our investigation..

Neighbours feared the animal may have been sent into a ‘panic’ and attacked the baby after ‘horrendous’ fireworks were set off nearby.

Well-wishers have gathered around to help the family and a fundraiser was started by a local community group in Rogiet, near Caldicott, Gwent.

But the £3,500 target was smashed in less than 24 hours as kind-hearted people were keen to help out and has exceeded more than £7,100.

Caldicott Town Team, who started the fundraiser, said: ‘Our heartfelt thoughts and condolences go out to the family at this unimaginably difficult time.

‘While no amount of money can ease their pain, we hope this gesture can help relieve some of the financial pressure and allow the family to focus on grieving and remembering their beautiful baby.

‘All funds raised will go directly toward covering funeral and memorial expenses as a mark of respect and support for the family.’

The child’s father was being comforted by family members and specialist police officers.

Acting Chief Constable Townsend, of Gwent Police, said: ‘The family of the child are being supported by dedicated officers. Our thoughts remain with them at this difficult time.

A crackdown on restricting the breeding and sale of XL Bullies came into force on December 31, 2023 following a spate of horrific attacks on the public (stock image of an XL Bully)

‘The dog was sedated and removed from the property and taken to a vet where it was put down.

‘We are in the very early stages of the investigation and officers are continuing to carry out various lines of enquiries to understand the circumstances of this tragic incident.

‘Enquiries are still ongoing to establish the breed of the dog, it is important that we’re certain of the breed and will release the information once it has been formally confirmed. No arrests have been made.

‘We understand that an incident like this can have an impact on our communities, but we urge people to not to speculate and to consider the impact that speculation can have on the family and friends of the family.’

The baby boy was born in January this year with locals saying his father was ‘as proud as punch’.

A woman living next door to the baby’s grandparents said: ‘It is just horrendous news. We have lived next door to the family for many years and they’re lovely neighbours.

‘I can’t believe this has happened.’

A crackdown on restricting the breeding and sale of XL Bullies came into force on December 31, 2023 following a spate of horrific attacks on the public. 

Then just months later in February, it became illegal to own the breed unless it was registered before the deadline.

The XL Bully became the fifth breed to be banned in Britain, adding to the pit bull terrier, Japanese Tosa, Doga Argentino and Fila Braziliero.

When the new laws came in, the government estimated there were around 10,000 XL Bully dogs in England and Wales. However, this was a major underestimate, with the figure more like 57,000.

But, despite the ban, reports of XL Bully attacks keep on coming.

In August, a hero helicopter pilot shot a crazed XL bully dead which savaged three people in the countryside.

Jon Earp landed his helicopter on a farm where he was called to the multiple attacks on three victims that were ‘seriously injured’ by the rampaging dog.

The chopper pilot was given a shotgun by a neighbouring farmer – and coolly shot the dog called Ricoh four times before anyone else was injured.

The dog was so ferocious it was completely unaffected by the first shot and needed four to be euthanised.

 This is a breaking news story. More to follow.