The dog that killed a North Yorkshire girl was an XL Bully, police confirmed this evening (Tuesday).
Savannah Bentham, ten, died on Friday afternoon after the family’s dog attacked her at her home at East Heslerton, near Malton.
The dog has now been put down by a vet.
A North Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: “Detailed independent assessments carried out in the days since the incident have confirmed it to be an XL Bully-type breed.
“The dog had been with the family for four years and had a Certificate of Exemption under the new legislation which came into effect in February 2024.
“It had also been neutered in line with the legislation.”
It’s a criminal offence to own or possess an XL Bully dog in England and Wales unless you have a valid Certificate of Exemption.
An autopsy is due to take place on the dog to help determine if there were any medical factors involved.
The details will be relayed at the inquest into the death of Savannah at date to be set.
“Our officers are continuing to support the family,” the force spokesperson said.
“We again urge people not to speculate about the incident and to respect the family’s wish for privacy to grieve in peace.”
The family of Savannah have submitted a formal complaint to the Independent Press Standards Organisation after some media outlets published a photograph taken from a family member’s private social media account.
“The family is distraught by this gross intrusion into their grief,” the police spokesperson said.
