A frail pensioner died in hospital 17 days after being mauled by a powerful XL bully dog at her home, a few blocks from where Jack Lis was also killed by a dog.
Grandmother Shirley Patrick, 83, was with relatives in Caerphilly, South Wales, in the run up to Christmas when she was severely maimed on Saturday December 3.
Ms Patrick was rushed to hospital after the incident but sadly died after the attack in the early hours of the morning.
Armed police and paramedics were called to the property after neighbors said ‘all hell broke loose’.
The tragedy happened less than a mile from the home of 10-year-old Jack Lis, who was killed by the same breed of dog a year ago.
Residents said widowed Mrs Patrick was badly bitten by the black XL bully who was destroyed by police.
A 55-year-old man believed to be his son Paul Patrick was also taken to hospital with minor injuries but was later released.
Mrs Patrick was widowed three years ago when her husband Dennis died, and her grandson has lived with her ever since.
A neighbor said: ‘She’s just a nice old lady you see walking around. Poor thing to suffer like this at her age.’
Gwent Police said in a statement: ‘An 83-year-old woman has died following reports of a dog attack in Heol Fawr, Caerphilly.
The dog, a large XL Bully Cross Cane Corso breed, is legal in the UK, but there are concerns about his strength and temperament.
Detective Chief Inspector Matthew Sedgebeer said: ‘If you have any concerns or information regarding this dog and his past behavior, please stop and speak with us.’
Parents in Caerphilly are concerned about the growing number of XL bullies bred and sold to families where there are children in the house.
Buy and sell website Gumtree currently has 14 bully XL puppies for sale from three different breeders in town.
A mum, who did not want to be named, said: ‘An innocent child and a frail old lady have been killed by these dogs – when is this going to stop?
‘Not so long ago these dogs were rare, now you often see them on the streets with their owners. It’s not safe.’
Wayne David MP is calling for a change in the law to ensure owners have a responsibility to train their dogs properly so they are not a threat.
Mr David, 65, who represents the city, said he would ‘continue campaigning until the law is changed’ after progress at Westminster stalled.
