Tragedy Strikes as 10 Year Old Savannah Bentham is Fatally Mauled by Family’s New XL Bully Dog Community in Shock
A tragic incident in North Yorkshire has claimed the life of 10-year-old Savannah Bentham, who was mauled to death by her family’s newly acquired XL Bully dog at their home in East Heslerton, near Malton. The heartbreaking incident occurred on Friday afternoon, despite efforts from medical professionals and a bystander to save Savannah’s life. Sadly, she was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the Sun.
North Yorkshire Police responded to a call from Yorkshire Ambulance Service around 4:15 p.m. Family members managed to secure the dog in a car until it was transferred to kennels. Reports indicate that Savannah had recently told friends, “I have got a new pet – an XL Bully,” showcasing her excitement over the family’s new addition.
In a statement shared through North Yorkshire Police, Savannah’s grieving family expressed their profound sorrow: “We are utterly shocked and devastated by what happened to Savannah. We can’t believe we have lost our wonderful girl who we love so much.” They also expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support, stating, “We thank everyone for their support and kindness as we struggle to come to terms with our loss,” while requesting privacy as they mourn their daughter.
Neighbors in the community remembered Savannah as a “lovely little lass” who was “really polite” and “very intelligent for her age.” As the community grieves, North Yorkshire Police have launched a detailed investigation to understand the circumstances surrounding the attack. A spokesperson shared, “One of the lines of enquiry relates to the behaviour of the dog to help explain, as far as possible, why it attacked the girl.” Authorities believe the attack was “out-of-character,” with initial findings suggesting that Savannah and the dog shared a “close, loving relationship.”
Due to the severity of the incident, the dog will be euthanized. A post-mortem examination of Savannah was conducted on Sunday evening, with an inquest set to open in the coming days. Police are urging the public not to speculate on the circumstances of the attack and to respect the family’s privacy.
The tragic loss of Savannah is part of a disturbing rise in fatal dog attacks across England and Wales. Earlier this year, legislation made it a criminal offense to own an XL Bully without a certificate, mandating strict conditions for ownership, such as neutering, muzzling, and keeping the dog on a lead when in public. According to the Office for National Statistics, dog attacks resulted in 30 deaths in 2023, more than doubling from the previous year. Savannah’s death marks at least the seventh fatality involving a dog attack in the UK over the past ten months.