Dog Owner Accused of “Not Being Bothered” During XL Bully Attack

An XL Bully caused “horrific” injuries to a young girl as its owner appeared indifferent to the chaos, Newport Magistrates’ Court heard. Justin Allison, 37, from Blaenau Gwent, admitted multiple offenses following the shocking attack in Nantyglo.

Prosecutor Lisa Lewis described the events of October 7, when the girl was walking with her father and heard shouting behind them. “She saw a dog running very fast towards her and it reached her in seconds. As it got closer it began growling at her, and she felt very scared and turned to run to her dad,” Lewis said, reported by Wales Online.

The off-the-lead dog, Rocco, jumped onto the girl’s back and latched onto her arm as she tried to cover her head. “It was on her arm for a matter of seconds. The next thing she could remember was her dad on top of the dog, wrestling it,” Lewis continued.

The girl managed to walk into the road to shout for help. Allison eventually appeared but reportedly stood at a distance and “wouldn’t do anything.” Lewis added: “She described him as not being bothered to help her dad while she was shouting in the middle of the road.”

The girl’s mother arrived shortly after and confronted Allison, asking why the dog wasn’t muzzled. “The dog then tried to go for her mam, but thankfully the defendant told the mam to go away and pulled the dog back,” Lewis said.

The girl was rushed to Grange Hospital, where she underwent surgery to repair tendons in her arm. Photos showed “horrific” injuries, including exposed bone and severe cuts to her back. Although healing well physically, the court heard that the psychological impact remains uncertain.

Owning an XL Bully without an exemption certificate is illegal in Wales and England. Allison did not have the required documentation and surrendered Rocco, which was later put down. Police searching Allison’s home also found a prohibited butterfly knife.

Allison pleaded guilty to charges of being in charge of a dangerously out-of-control dog causing injury, possessing a dangerous dog, and possessing an offensive weapon.

The court also addressed a separate incident where Allison was caught drug-driving in May. Tests revealed he had 240 micrograms of the cocaine metabolite benzoylecgonine in his blood—well above the legal limit.

The magistrates banned Allison from driving for 16 months and ordered him to pay a £120 fine, a £48 victim surcharge, and £85 in prosecution costs. Sentencing for the dog attack charges will take place in January.