Bootle dog attack: Two charged as XL Bully dog attack leaves 8-year-old with serious head injuries

A man and a woman have been charged after an eight-year-old was bitten by an XL Bully dog in Bootle on Saturday (February 10).

The attack occurred near Wadham Road, while the child was playing outside. He was bitten on the head by the dog and sustained 'serious head injuries' as a result. He continues to receive treatment in hospital, and Merseyside Police say he is in a 'serious but stable condition'.

Police officers seized the dog – an XL Bully – which was humanely destroyed on Saturday with the agreement of the owner.

Amanda Young, 49, and Lewis Young, 30, both of Wadham Road in Bootle, have been charged with being a person in charge of a dog dangerously out of control and causing injury. They have been remanded into custody to appear at Liverpool Magistrates Court on Monday, February 12. They are not related to the victim.

Since Thursday February 1, it has been a criminal offence to own or possess an XL Bully dog in England and Wales unless you have a valid Certificate of Exemption. It is also an offence to sell an XL Bully dog, abandon an XL Bully dog or give away or breed the dog. In addition, it is illegal for those who have a Certificate of Exemption to walk the breed off a lead or unmuzzled.