The dog that killed a nine-month-old baby in South Wales has been revealed as an XL bully – registered before a ban on the breed was introduced.
It is believed that the child was visiting relatives in Gwent at the time of Sunday’s vicious attack.
Officers from Gwent Police seized the dog after the incident to check if it was a prohibited breed.
A Dog Legislation Officer has since confirmed that the canine was a six-year-old XL bully, which has now been put down.
It is believed that the child was visiting relatives in Gwent at the time of Sunday’s vicious attack
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GOOGLEPolice noted that the dog had received a certificate of exemption from the ban and had been registered with the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs last year.
The dog was believed to have belonged to the baby’s relatives, whom the child had been visiting alongside his father.
Neighbours have speculated that the XL bully may have been agitated by fireworks prior to the attack.
ACC Vicki Townsend from Gwent Police said: “While the dog in this case was registered as an XL bully, it was done so proactively before the ban came into effect.
Neighbours have speculated that the XL bully may have been agitated by fireworks prior to the attack (file photo)
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“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.
“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.”
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No arrests have been made at this time and an investigation into the incident remains ongoing.
In the wake of the tragedy, a fundraiser has been started by a community group from the South Wales village.
The fundraiser initially set out to raise £3,500 to help the baby’s family, but it has now reached over £8,300.
The organisers, Caldicot Town Team, said: “Our heartfelt thoughts and condolences go out to the family at this unimaginably difficult time.
A fundraiser has been started by a community group from the south Wales village
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“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.”
Gwent Police’s Acting Chief Constable Townsend confirmed the baby’s relatives are being supported by specialists officers.
He added: “Our thoughts remain with them at this difficult time.”