A mother wept as a coroner learned she discovered her 10-year-old child in a curled-up position after their XL Bully dog launched a fatal attack.
Savannah Bentham was tragically killed by their family dog, named ‘Biggie’, while her mother sought assistance to fix the hot water in their static caravan. Upon returning with Savannah’s grandfather to address the gas connection issue, her mother found Savannah on the floor in a fetal position, with Biggie covered in blood.
During the inquest at Northallerton, Coroner Jon Heath had cautioned Savannah’s parents that the proceedings would be distressing. The cause of Savannah’s death was determined to be “neck injuries” by pathologist Dr. Bolton.
DCI Matthew Wilkinson testified that the incident occurred at the family’s caravan in Malton on November 1, 2024. The family had owned the XL Bully dog for four years without prior issues, despite the breed being classified as ‘dangerous’ under new regulations.
The XL Bully, Biggie, was registered, microchipped, and neutered as required by law. Following the tragic event, the dog was euthanized. The law mandating muzzling and registration of XL Bullies in public spaces was enacted in 2023 after a series of fatal attacks involving the breed.
On the day of the incident, Savannah was at home with her mother and Biggie, while her father was at work. The tragedy unfolded when the gas connection was being fixed, and Biggie turned aggressive, attacking Savannah.
Despite efforts by emergency services, Savannah could not be saved and was pronounced dead at the scene. The coroner concluded that Savannah’s injuries were inflicted by the family dog, leading to her tragic death.
The family expressed their deepest condolences as the coroner acknowledged the heartbreaking loss of Savannah.