Arrests made after XL bully kills nine-month-old baby

Two people have been arrested after an XL bully killed a baby in South Wales.

They were arrested on suspicion of being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control, causing injury resulting in death, as well as on suspicion of child neglect.

The pair, from the village of Rogiet, where the nine-month-old baby boy sustained fatal injuries on 2 November, were later released on police bail, as inquiries continue.

Gwent Police previously said the six-year-old dog was registered as an XL bully with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) before the ban on the breed came into effect. A certificate of exemption was issued in 2024.

Assistant Chief Constable Vicki Townsend described the dog as a male, black XL bully.

She said: "The arrests were made as part of a wide range of enquiries that officers are carrying out to understand the circumstances of the death.

"These enquires are still ongoing and so you will continue to see officers in the area.

"If you have any information or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us.

"I understand that there is a lot of interest about this in our communities, but this is now a live criminal investigation.

"It is vital that people think about how their online commentary, in particular social media comments or posts, could impact the ongoing investigation and the criminal justice process.

"We urge people not to speculate. If you have any information, including information on the dog involved - a male, black XL bully - and its previous behaviour, please contact us directly instead.

"Once again, my condolences and thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragic death, both within the community and further afield."

Source : https://news.sky.com/story/arrests-made-after-xl-bully-kills-nine-month-old-baby-13461170

Comprehension

Where did the incident involving the XL bully take place?
How old was the baby who died in the attack?
What were the two arrested people suspected of?
What happened to the two people after they were arrested?
How old was the dog involved in the incident?
What type of dog was involved, and what color was it?
What did Assistant Chief Constable Vicki Townsend say about the investigation?
Why did the police ask people not to post comments or speculations online?

Discussion

How do you feel about laws that ban certain dog breeds?
Do you think dog owners should be held responsible if their pets harm someone? Why or why not?
What are some ways to make sure dogs are properly trained and controlled?
Why is it important for the public not to spread rumors during an active police investigation?
What do you think about owning large or powerful dog breeds?
How can communities promote safe relationships between pets and people?
What should parents teach children about being around animals?
How can tragedies like this be prevented in the future?
What role should government regulations play in ensuring pet safety?

Vocabulary

Arrested – taken by police because of suspected involvement in a crime.
Neglect – failure to take proper care of someone or something.
Fatal – causing death.
Inquiries – investigations to find out the facts about something.
Exemption – official permission to avoid a rule or law.
Circumstances – details or facts connected to an event.
Speculate – to guess or form opinions without knowing all the facts.
Condolences – expressions of sympathy to someone who has experienced loss or sorrow.