Man Dies After XL Bully Dogs Attack; Owner Pleads Guilty

A 52-year-old man, Ian Price, was fatally attacked by two XL bully dogs outside a property in Stonnall, Staffordshire, on 14 September 2023. The attack resulted in Mr. Price being hospitalized, where he later died. Following the incident, then Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced a ban on the XL bully breed in England and Wales. The dogs’ owner, 32-year-old James Harrison Trimble-Pettitt, has pleaded guilty to two counts of having dogs dangerously out of control. One dog died during the attack, while the other was euthanized by a veterinarian at the owner’s residence. Several bystanders attempted to intervene during the attack, and emergency services responded promptly. In a statement after the guilty plea, Mr. Price’s family expressed their gratitude to those who tried to help, as well as to hospital staff and emergency responders. They described Ian as a lively, kind, and generous man whose enthusiasm for life was remembered fondly by friends and family. Trimble-Pettitt is scheduled for sentencing on 5 January. The case highlights concerns over dangerous dog ownership and the legal measures taken to prevent similar tragedies in the future.