XL bully dogs euthanised after fatal park attack in Derby

Three XL bully dogs that attacked a much smaller dog in Derby have been euthanised. Derbyshire Police said the dogs were seized after terrier cross, Spirit, was attacked in Rykneld Park on 23 January, with owner Blake McElhatton telling the BBC of his heartache at the 15-year-old pet being put down by a vet due to the severity of his injuries. The force has now confirmed the three dogs seized were destroyed after it was decided they were of the XL bully breed. A ban was introduced in England and Wales in 2024 following a number of attacks involving the breed. McElhatton said he had struggled with his mental health since his beloved pet was attacked while being walked by his housemate, Otto Harta. "I've been having nightmares, flashbacks, I've been really ill and unable to sleep," said the 31-year-old. "My mind's been racing hundreds of miles per hour and now I'm seeking therapy." In January, Derbyshire Police said officers had been called to reports a dog had been attacked by three other dogs - reported to look like XL bullies - in Saint David's Close. "Officers and a dog warden attended the scene and three dogs were seized," a police spokesperson said. McElhatton welcomed the upda