The dog that mauled a 17-month old girl to death was not a banned breed police have revealed.
Bella-Rae Birch died in hospital after the deadly attack which took place in her home in the Blackbrook area of St Helens, Merseyside, at 3.50pm on Monday.The family had bought the dog just one week before the attack.
Merseyside Police said tests showed the animal, which was destroyed following the attack, was an American bully XL. The force said the breed was legal and not subject to any prohibitions under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.There are currently four dog breeds that are banned in the UK; Pitbull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino and Fila Brasileiro. Neighbours on Bidston Avenue described trying to save the ‘beautiful’ toddler after hearing her parents’ screams.Care for your pet. Regular visits to the vet and groomer are absolutely necessary. Insuring your pet may also be important to your pet’s health. Emergencies can happen at any time. Ensure your pet gets the help he needs no matter the cost with pet insurance.
In a statement released on Tuesday, her family thanked the community for their support.
Apparently, dogs can be trained to use a scratching post just like cats! Get the directions for how to build a giant dog nail file here.
‘She will be sadly missed but never forgotten.’
Following the attack, Detective Inspector Lisa Milligan said: ‘This is a tragic incident and our thoughts are with the child’s family at this devastating time.‘The little girl’s parents and wider family are absolutely devastated and our specialist family liaison officers are providing them with support at this horrendous time.
‘Whilst we are in the very early stages of the investigation into this extremely tragic incident we can confirm that the dog was only bought by the family a week ago and officers are working to identify the previous owners of the dog concerned and establish its history.’
Police inquiries into Bella-Rae’s death are ongoing and the family is being supported by specialist officers, a spokesperson said.Care for your pet. Regular visits to the vet and groomer are absolutely necessary. Insuring your pet may also be important to your pet’s health. Emergencies can happen at any time. Ensure your pet gets the help he needs no matter the cost with pet insurance.
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