Man dies after being attacked by two dogs, understood to be XL Bullies
A man who was seriously injured after being attacked by two dogs understood to be XL Bullies in Stonnall yesterday has died.
The victim, 52-year-old Ian Price, was taken to hospital after being bitten by the dogs on Main Street, near St Peter's Church of England Primary Academy, just before 3.15pm.
However, after being rushed to hospital, it became clear that nothing could be done to save him.
A 30-year-old man from the Lichfield area was arrested on suspicion of having dogs dangerously out of control and has been further arrested on suspicion of manslaughter.
Staffordshire Police has now confirmed that the dogs are understood to be XL Bullies and will carry out further tests today to determine their breed.
According to officers, a number of people tried to get the dogs off the man and successfully contained one outside, with the other contained within the owner's flat.
One of the dogs died after being restrained and the other died after an injection was given by a vet.
The tragedy comes less than a week after an 11-year-old girl was viciously attacked by an American XL Bully and Staffordshire bull terrier crossbreed puppy in Birmingham.
The incident sparked a national outcry and a heated debate over whether the breed should be banned in the UK.
Superintendent Tracy Meir said: “I would like to offer my condolences to the loved ones of the man who tragically lost his life in this horrendous dog attack. We are continuing to support them at this incredibly difficult time.
“Detectives continue to investigate and we have taken statements, viewed CCTV and carried out house-to-house enquiries in the local area but are keen to speak to anyone with information.”
West Midlands Ambulance Service sent one ambulance, two paramedic officers, a MERIT trauma doctor and critical care paramedic and the Midland Air Ambulance from Cosford to the scene near Walsall.
A spokeswoman for the service said: “Upon arrival we found a man who had sustained multiple life-threatening injuries and was in a critical condition.
“Ambulance staff administered advanced life support and advanced trauma care to him at the scene.
“Treatment continued en route to Queen Elizabeth Hospital where he was conveyed by land ambulance for further treatment. Unfortunately, after arrival at hospital, despite the best efforts it became clear that nothing more could be done to save him he was confirmed deceased.”
Shortly after West Midlands Ambulance Service announced the death of the man attacked in Stonnall, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak vowed to ban the breed by the end of the year.
West Midlands Police has also released figures showing a spike in dog attacks in the region, with almost 5,000 attacks in the last five years - 1,112 of which were in 2022.
In April 2021, 85-year-old Lucille Downer died when two American bulldogs attacked her after getting into her garden in Boundary Avenue, Rowley Regis, through a hole in the fence.
The owner, 44-year-old Darren Pritchard, was jailed for more than four years for being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control.
The Mayor of the West Midlands, Andy Street, has now called for the Dangerous Dogs Act to be reviewed. Mr Street said: "This is deeply upsetting, and my thoughts are with the victim’s family and friends.
"Given the worrying increase in dog attacks, it’s clear the Dangerous Dogs Act needs to be reviewed. Bad owners must be held accountable with the full force of the law.
The West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, Simon Foster, has also announced that Birmingham City Council is consulting on the renewal of five dog control Public Space Protection Orders in the city.
Mr Foster said: "I urge it to examine how the PSPOs could be used to prevent a repeat of the appalling incident in Bordesley Green on September 9."
St Peter's Church of England Primary Academy has said that pupils and staff are being supported in the wake of the incident.
In a statement, the school said: "Staff at St Peter's CE Primary Academy were notified (at) around 3.25pm of an incident on Main Street.
"The academy immediately sent a text through to all parents to notify them of the incident, with leaders and teachers advising pupils and parents to return to the academy site.
"The academy gates remained closed until further notification was received by the police; it was safe to reopen the site.
"The actions and behaviours of pupils, staff, and parents during this incident was greatly recognised by the academy.
"St Chad's Academies Trust who operates St Peter's CE Primary Academy continues to support the pupils and staff along with colleagues from Lichfield Diocese, Schools Advisory Service, and local clergy in providing as much support as it can to the school community at present. The academy has remained open.
"Our hearts, thoughts, and prayers go out to the family, friends, pupils, parents, and staff at the academy who are hurting from this news."
People with information regarding the attack have been asked to contact Staffordshire Police by calling 101, quoting incident 405 of September 14, or via Live Chat on their website.
To report anonymously, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
