A nine-month-old baby boy has died following a horrific dog attack at a home in Rogiet, South Wales.
Emergency services were called to a property on Crossway at around 6pm on Sunday, November 2, after receiving reports that a family dog had attacked the child. Despite the efforts of paramedics, the baby was tragically pronounced dead at the scene.
Gwent Police confirmed that the dog involved was a six-year-old XL Bully, registered with the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) under a certificate of exemption issued in 2024.
Assistant Chief Constable Vicki Townsend said the registration had been made before the government ban on XL Bullies came into force.
“While the dog in this case was registered as an XL Bully, it was done so proactively before the ban came into effect,” Townsend explained.
“In preparation for the new law, owners were not required to formally identify the dog’s breed. In cases involving a suspected banned breed, only a dog legislation officer or a court-approved independent assessor can make an official determination.”
Police confirmed that no arrests have been made, and the investigation remains ongoing.
“We understand there is significant public concern about this incident,” Townsend added. “Our priority is to ensure the circumstances surrounding this baby’s death are fully investigated. We urge people to avoid speculation or spreading unverified information online.”
Local residents have expressed shock and sadness at the tragedy, describing the community as “devastated” by the news.
The dog has been secured by police while further assessments and investigations continue.
