The heartbreaking case of nine-month-old Jonte William Bluck, who was fatally attacked by his family’s XL Bully dog, has sent shockwaves across Wales.
Jonte’s Fatal Attack: What Happened?
Jonte suffered fatal head injuries after being mauled by the six-year-old male black XL Bully while staying with his father, 30-year-old Jarrod Bluck, over the weekend in Rogiet, Gwent.
Coroner Rose Farmer confirmed Jonte died before reaching hospital on November 2, with a provisional cause of death listed as a compressive head injury consistent with a dog bite.
The dog was seized by authorities and subsequently euthanised.
Suspects Questioned in Wake of Tragedy
Following the tragedy, a man in his 30s and a woman in her 20s were questioned on suspicion of being responsible for the ‘dangerously out of control dog’ that attacked Jonte.
Both were also questioned regarding alleged child neglect but were later released on bail as investigations continue.
“The arrests were made as part of a wide range of enquiries that officers are carrying out to understand the circumstances of the death,” said ACC Vicki Townsend.
“It is vital that people think about how their online commentary, in particular social media posts, could impact the ongoing investigation and the criminal justice process.”
“Once again, my condolences and thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragic death.”
Dog Was Registered & Exempted but Feared Spooked by Fireworks
The XL Bully was registered with DEFRA and held a certificate of exemption issued in 2024.
Neighbours reported the dog appeared spooked by fireworks in the run-up to Bonfire Night, potentially triggering the attack.
The inquest into Jonte’s death has been adjourned until August 4, 2026, as authorities continue to piece together the full story.
XL Bully Breed Under Fire After Spike in Deadly Attacks
- In 2021, XL Bullies were involved in 2 out of 4 fatal dog attacks; in 2022 that rose to 6 out of 10.
- By 2023, XL Bullies caused an estimated 44% of dog attacks despite being less than 1% of the UK’s dog population.
- Former PM Rishi Sunak declared the breed dangerous and placed it on the banned list.
- Since December 31, 2023, it’s illegal to sell, breed, or give away an XL Bully without exemption.
- Criminal offences apply to owning XL Bullies without a certificate since February 1, 2024.
- Over 20,000 dog attacks were reported in England and Wales in the 12 months following the XL Bully ban.
This devastating incident highlights the ongoing risks posed by dangerous dog breeds despite government crackdowns.
