Tragedy in Rogiet as Baby Dies in Dog Attack
A nine-month-old baby boy has died after a horrific attack by an XL bully dog in the village of Rogiet, South Wales. The incident occurred on Sunday evening at a property on Crossway.
Emergency services rushed to the scene but were unable to save the infant, who was pronounced dead at the address. In a swift response, Gwent Police arrested two individuals on suspicion of being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control, causing injury resulting in death.
Police Investigation and Community Shock
The two arrested persons have since been released on police bail as the investigation continues. Assistant Chief Constable Vicki Townsend confirmed that the dog involved was a six-year-old male, black XL bully. The animal was registered with the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs and held a certificate of exemption from 2024.
ACC Townsend urged the public to refrain from speculation on social media, stating: "It is vital that people think about how their online commentary... could impact the ongoing investigation." She asked anyone with information about the dog's previous behaviour to contact police directly.
Local councillor Peter Strong described a community "very much in mourning" and spoke of a profound sense of shock. He appealed for calm to allow the family to grieve in peace and the police to conduct their investigation. Some locals have speculated that loud fireworks may have triggered the family pet.
The XL Bully Ban in Context
This tragic event unfolds against the backdrop of a full ban on XL Bullies in England and Wales, which came into effect on 1 February 2024. It is now a criminal offence to own this breed without an exemption certificate.
Recent data highlights the scale of the ban's enforcement. According to BBC reports, figures from 19 police forces show that 1,991 suspected banned dogs were seized in the first eight months following the legislation. With kennels facing overcrowding, 818 dogs had been destroyed since the ban, a figure more than double that of the previous year.
The police investigation into the circumstances surrounding the baby's death remains active, with officers continuing their enquiries in the Rogiet area.
