Sean Garner, the owner of an XL Bully dog, has been sentenced to prison after his pet fatally mauled an 84-year-old man. The attack occurred on 24 February in Warrington, Cheshire, where the dog, named Toretto, savagely attacked John McColl, a neighbour. The animal was subsequently shot by police.
Garner was sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court. He had previously pleaded guilty to being the owner of a dog that was dangerously out of control, causing injury resulting in death. The court heard details of the violent and sustained attack on Mr. McColl.
The case is part of the ongoing national discussion regarding the control of XL Bully dogs following the implementation of new restrictions. The breed was added to the list of dogs banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act in England and Wales in late 2023, with new rules coming into force on 31 December 2023 and 1 February 2024.
