Former Big Brother contestant Aisleyne Horgan-Wallace has detailed a traumatic encounter with an XL Bully, describing the moment she felt her bone crack and was left covered in blood after the dog bit her. The incident occurred at a friend's baby shower, an event that Horgan-Wallace stated devolved into "absolute mayhem" following the attack.
Speaking about the ordeal, Horgan-Wallace, 47, recounted the distinct sensation of her bone crunching when the dog bit her near her collarbone. She reported that the injury left her "scarred for life." The attack prompted an immediate response from friends who noted the significant bleeding and called for an ambulance. However, Horgan-Wallace stated that the dog's owner appeared more concerned about the animal potentially being euthanized than her injuries. This led to the decision to transport her to the hospital by car instead of waiting for emergency services.
At the hospital, her wounds were cleaned, bleeding was controlled, and she received antibiotics and a tetanus shot. She later required stitches, and the delay in immediate closure meant she had to manage open wounds for several days to prevent sepsis. Horgan-Wallace has since spoken out against online trolling she received after sharing images of her injuries on social media, revealing that she has begun to experience symptoms of PTSD as a result of the attack.
Her experience has led her to call for significant legal reforms, specifically advocating for a mandatory "licence to own" for owners of large dog breeds. Police are reportedly involved in investigating the incident.
Prior to this detailed account, Horgan-Wallace had shared brief updates about the injury, including a post showing the dog and noting the severity of the bite, which exposed bone. She emphasized her love for dogs and the unexpected nature of the attack, urging others to understand how large breeds can switch behavior without warning. She also highlighted the importance of responsible ownership and leadership with powerful animals, particularly for the safety of children.
In the UK, owners of XL Bully dogs are required to possess a valid Certificate of Exemption, a document that permits legal ownership of the breed under specific conditions and legal frameworks. The certificate system was implemented following a ban, with provisions for existing owners to apply within a designated window.