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Owner Guilty in Fatal Attack by Malnourished XL Bully Dog

4/2/2026

Center

Garner Convicted for Dog Attack

Sean Garner, 31, was found guilty of owning a dangerous out-of-control XL bully dog named Toretto.
The dog attacked 84-year-old John McColl on February 24, 2025, on Garner's property in Warrington, Cheshire.
McColl died about one month after the February 24, 2025 attack.
Prosecutors said Garner failed to secure the dog and provide adequate care, noting Toretto was malnourished.
Garner is to be sentenced on April 17, 2025.

Left

Warren Sentenced for Attack

Ashley Warren, 41, received a sentence of 10 years and three months for owning an XL bully dog that killed 68-year-old Esther Martin in Jaywick, Essex, on February 3, 2024.
The attack occurred two days after a ban on the breed was implemented.
Prosecutors stated Warren left Martin, who had mobility issues, alone with the dogs while filming a music video.
Warren was found guilty of owning the dog named Bear, which inflicted the fatal injuries, but was acquitted of charges related to another dog.
He also faced charges for possessing a knife without lawful authority.

History

Historical Context

The Dangerous Dogs Act was enacted in 1991 in the UK after a series of dog attacks, including the fatal incident involving 7-year-old Jade Clark. This legislation banned specific breeds, including the Pit Bull Terrier, and by 2018, over 20,000 dogs had been seized. Recent attacks by XL Bully dogs have reignited debates about dog ownership and public safety, potentially prompting further legislative changes.

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Garner Convicted for Dog Attack

Sean Garner, 31, was found guilty of owning a dangerous out-of-control XL bully dog named Toretto.
The dog attacked 84-year-old John McColl on February 24, 2025, on Garner's property in Warrington, Cheshire.
McColl died about one month after the February 24, 2025 attack.
Prosecutors said Garner failed to secure the dog and provide adequate care, noting Toretto was malnourished.
Garner is to be sentenced on April 17, 2025.

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