A mother broke down in tears during a coroner’s hearing as she recounted discovering her 10-year-old child in a fetal position following a fatal attack by their XL Bully dog. Savannah Bentham tragically lost her life when the family dog, known as ‘Biggie,’ fatally injured her while her mother sought help to fix a hot water issue in their static caravan. The heartbreaking incident unfolded as Savannah’s grandfather, Mark, was called to address the gas connection problem so she could take a hot shower. Upon their return, the mother found Savannah on the floor in a fetal position, with the dog covered in blood.

During the emotional inquest, the coroner, Jon Heath, forewarned the parents that the proceedings would be distressing. The cause of Savannah’s death was determined by pathologist Dr. Bolton as “neck injuries,” as revealed during the hearing where the mother, accompanied by her partner and a woman believed to be Savannah’s grandmother, closely followed the proceedings via video link.

Testifying in court, DCI Matthew Wilkinson detailed the tragic events that transpired on November 1, 2024, at the family’s static caravan in Malton. The family had owned the XL Bully, classified as a ‘dangerous dog,’ for about four years without any prior incidents. Despite being appropriately registered, the dog, Biggie, was later euthanized following the incident.

The law surrounding XL Bullies was revised in 2023 following a public campaign, mandating owners to register and muzzle the dogs in public. This change was prompted by a series of fatal attacks involving XL Bullies, including the case of Jack Lis, a 10-year-old boy who was fatally mauled in 2021. The government emphasized the disproportionate involvement of XL Bullies in recorded deaths, leading to the ban in England and Wales.

The fatal attack on Savannah occurred while her mother sought assistance with a heating issue, leaving her at home with the family dog. Upon returning, the mother discovered the tragic scene of the dog attacking Savannah, ultimately leading to her death despite rescue efforts. The coroner concluded that Savannah’s injuries were inflicted by the XL Bully, resulting in her untimely demise.