Man Convicted After His XL Bully Dogs Attack and Kill Elderly Man

Sean Garner has been found guilty of owning a dangerously out of control dog after one of his XL bully dogs fatally mauled 84-year-old John McColl in February 2025. The incident occurred when Mr McColl inadvertently entered Garner’s driveway after leaving the pub. CCTV footage captured the horrifying attack as neighbours attempted to intervene using various objects, but the dog, named Toretto, prevented anyone from helping. Emergency services faced challenges providing first aid due to the dog’s aggressive behaviour, and firearms officers were eventually called, resulting in both Toretto and another unregistered XL bully, Malibu, being fatally shot. Mr McColl was taken to hospital and underwent extensive treatment but tragically died from his injuries over a month later. Following the attack, Garner initially evaded police but handed himself in two days later. Investigations revealed human flesh in Toretto’s stomach, highlighting the severity of the attack. Detective Inspector Simon Mills described the scene as one of the most traumatising incidents he had encountered. Mr McColl is remembered by his family as a kind and generous father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.