A woman is on trial after the father of her boyfriend died from "catastrophic" injuries sustained in an alleged unprovoked attack by an XL Bully dog in May 2022. Chanel Fong, 33, denies being the owner or in charge of a dangerously out-of-control dog that caused the death of Keven Jones, 62.
The court heard that Mr. Jones was bitten on the leg at least twice by the dog, named Cookie, suffering severe blood loss from his wounds. Fong, who was inside her home in Wrexham, north Wales, at the time of the incident, told police she heard Mr. Jones say, "Cookie, get off me." Fong's partner, the victim's son, was not present.
Prosecuting barrister Mark Connor stated that XL Bully dogs are bred to be large and powerful, capable of causing significant harm due to their size and strength. He argued that Cookie was "manifestly dangerously out of control" due to the severity of the injuries inflicted on Mr. Jones without apparent provocation. The court was informed that Mr. Jones had pre-existing health issues, including being addicted to Class A drugs, on a methadone prescription, and taking blood thinners. The prosecution suggested that Fong was aware of these conditions and that Mr. Jones was left to manage two powerful XL Bully dogs alone.
Another XL Bully belonging to Fong, a female named Rogue, was reportedly "in season," which the prosecution claimed could have contributed to issues with Cookie, the male dog involved.
Following the incident, Fong allegedly posted on Facebook that Cookie "didn't attack Keven" but was a "big boy and plays too rough," adding that the dog was "not aggressive in the slightest, just thinks he’s still a small pup." She also wrote, "Rest in peace my darling stupid Cookie-Doe."
Paramedics were called, and Fong attempted to administer first aid. However, due to the severity of the injuries, particularly to the back of Mr. Jones's leg, he could not be saved. A Home Office pathologist testified that Mr. Jones weighed approximately 140 pounds and was slim, with drugs present in his system at the time of his death. The pathologist added that death would likely have occurred within minutes.
Cookie was destroyed following the fatal attack. The court was told the incident occurred before a ban on the XL Bully breed was introduced. The trial continues.