XL Bully bites man to death: this is how long the victim's brother must spend behind bars

Leeds (Great Britain) - A man in Great Britain has been sent to prison because his dog attacked and fatally injured his younger brother.

A court in the northern English city of Leeds sentenced the dog owner to four and a half years in prison. The dog was a so-called XL Bully, a mixed breed that goes back to a pit bull terrier species.

The animal had attacked its owner's 51-year-old brother in an apartment in April 2023. The owner tried to drag the dog away from the victim - but to no avail. The animal was killed at the scene by police officers.

The defendant pleaded guilty in court. He had not had a dangerous dog under control.

In the UK, there were several fatal attacks by XL Bullies within a few months. Public outrage was so great that the British government recognized the previously unclassified dogs as a separate breed - only to ban them immediately.

The animals may no longer be sold. Possession is punishable by law - unless the owners can prove that their dog is not dangerous and that they have an exemption permit.

The animals must then wear a muzzle, be kept on a lead and be neutered.