Man Died After Being Bitten by American XL Bully, Court Hears

A man died from severe blood loss after being bitten on the leg by an American XL Bully in his daughter-in-law's garden, Caernarfon Crown Court has been told. Keven Jones, 62, sustained "catastrophic injuries" during the attack.

Jones, who was reportedly in poor health and taking methadone and blood-thinning medication, was staying at his daughter-in-law Chanel Fong's home when the incident occurred. The attack took place before American XL Bullies were officially added to the list of banned dog breeds in October 2023.

Fong, 33, denies being the owner of the dog, named Cookie, and has also pleaded not guilty to an alternative charge of being the person in charge of the dog at the time of the attack. The prosecution stated that the dog was dangerously out of control.

Prosecutor Mark Connor described the case as "sad and tragic" and informed the jury that graphic images of Jones' injuries would be presented during the trial. Connor emphasized that the case would focus not on whether Cookie was a banned breed, but whether the dog was dangerously out of control and if Fong held legal responsibility for it.

The court heard that the dog was registered to Fong and her partner, Joshua Jones, who is the victim's son. Joshua Jones was not present at the time of the attack. Fong stated in her police interview that Cookie belonged to her partner "on paper."

Several dogs were present at the property in Wrexham, including Cookie and another XL Bully named Fire, who were in the back garden. Cookie's mother, Rogue, an XL Bully, was kept inside the house as she was "in season" and separated from the other animals.