An XL Bully that had previously been taken by police for biting its owner left an eight-month-old baby girl in a coma after attacking her in Kent. Jordan Williams, 19, was apprehended following the incident involving his dog, Hunter, on December 11 last year. The baby, Arabella Williams, suffered severe injuries and was airlifted to King’s College Hospital in London where she was placed in an induced coma in intensive care for three weeks. Fortunately, she did not require surgery.
The 18-month-old Hunter was confiscated by authorities and later euthanized by a veterinarian. Prior to the attack on the child, Hunter had been reported for biting his owner in November 2023, causing a minor injury.
Kent Police explained that the dog’s owner had been asked to surrender Hunter for destruction after the first incident, but declined. Despite no legal basis to retain the dog, conditions were set for the owner to keep the dog secure and supervised.
The subsequent attack on the child triggered a significant emergency response with multiple patrol cars and law enforcement personnel present at the scene. A family member mentioned that the aggressive behavior was unusual for Hunter, describing him as typically affectionate and gentle with the baby.
Williams, who was 18 at the time of the incident, was charged in August for owning a dog that was dangerously out of control. He pleaded guilty in court in October. Pamela Williams, 77, was also arrested for being in charge of a dog that was dangerously out of control, and her trial is scheduled for the following year.
Both Jordan and Pamela Williams were charged under Section 3 of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, which holds the owner and caretaker responsible if a dog is dangerously out of control in any setting.
The initial incident occurred before the enforcement of laws prohibiting the ownership and transfer of XL bullies, with Hunter being registered under the legislation.
Kent Police have been contacted for additional comments on the matter.