A horrified mother discovered the body of her ten-year-old daughter after it had been mauled to death by the family’s XL Bully dog, which was ‘covered in blood’, an inquest heard today.
Tracey Bentham had left her daughter Savannah watching television with the dog, named Biggie, in their static caravan home.
The hearing was told this was perfectly normal as Biggie was regarded as ‘lazy’ and although classed as a dangerous breed he was legally registered under an exemption certificate and the family had complied with all legal requirements.
But tragedy struck a fortnight after the child’s birthday when Savannah wanted to have a shower and discovered the hot water was not working properly.
Her mother went off into the grounds of the site in the village of East Heslerton, North Yorkshire, looking for Savannah’s grandfather to sort out a problem with the gas bottle.
When Ms Bentham returned she found Savannah lying in a foetal position on the caravan floor, having been bitten in the throat by Biggie, who was later destroyed.
Detective Chief Inspector Matthew Wilkinson was the senior investigating officer on call when emergency services raced to the scene and he investigated Savannah’s death.
He said the family had owned the XL Bully for four years. It had been registered, chipped and neutered by the family in accordance with the legislation.
The legislation required it to be muzzled in public as a dangerous dog but not when it was in the confines of the family home.
Giving evidence to the inquest in Northallerton, DCI Wilkinson said: ‘During that afternoon Savannah was going to have a shower. She tried to use the hot water and it became apparent the Calor gas was not connected.
‘So Tracey went to find [grandfather] Mark to sort out the connection. At that time, Savannah was at home with the dog watching TV.
‘There was nothing to suggest any cause for concern. Biggie was described as a lazy dog. As they came back they could see Biggie had attacked Savannah.’
Emergency services were called and customers from the nearby scooter dealership also gave first aid.
The detective added: ‘There were no witnesses in the caravan when the incident occurred. When Tracey came back she saw Savannah in a foetal position.
‘The dog was covered in blood. Mark secured the dog to the side of the caravan so Savannah could be given first aid.’
Sadly, Savannah was certified dead at the scene at 4.45pm and taken to Scarborough Hospital. A post-mortem revealed she had died from neck injuries.
Biggie was taken to police kennels and later subject to a post-mortem.
The examination revealed no physical of pathological changes which could explain the ‘outburst of aggression’ and no signs the dog was troubled, Northallerton Coroner’s Court was told.
Police looked at a number of potential offences under the official guidance on dangerous dogs cases, including manslaughter, the inquest was told.
But DCI Wilkinson said: ‘Savannah and Biggie being together was entirely normal. There had never been an incident in relation to the dog in the family home.’
Attending the hearing by video link Savannah’s parents shook their heads when asked if they had any further questions.
Summing up the evidence, Senior Coroner Jon Heath said: ‘The dog was not muzzled because the legislation did not require it to be while in the family home.
‘The evidence is not contested. I find Biggie was an XL Bully and registered in accordance with an an XL Bully exemption certificate.
‘Biggie was not muzzled as it was the family home.’
He recorded a narrative conclusion that Savannah ‘died as a consequence of injuries inflicted by the family dog.’
Paying tribute to Savannah shortly after her death, her family said in a statement: ‘We are utterly shocked and devastated by what happened to Savannah. We can’t believe we have lost our wonderful girl who we love so much.
‘We thank everyone for their support and kindness as we struggle to come to terms with our loss.’
