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XL Bully Owner Convicted in Mauling That Killed 84-Year-Old

The verdict highlights enforcement of the XL Bully ban ahead of sentencing on April 17.

Overview

  • Sean Garner was found guilty Tuesday at Liverpool Crown Court of owning a dog that caused injury while dangerously out of control and was remanded to face sentencing on April 17.
  • The attack began on February 24, 2025, when John McColl wandered onto Garner’s Warrington driveway and was set upon by an unregistered XL Bully left on a patio prosecutors said was secured only by a latch.
  • Armed officers ended the incident by shooting the dog nine times with a pistol and once with a shotgun, and they also shot a second XL Bully inside the house to protect those at the scene.
  • A veterinary exam found human tissue, including a human ear, in the attacking dog’s stomach, and neighbours had tried to drive the animal off using tools like a spirit level and a walking stick.
  • Garner had already admitted keeping two XL Bullies without the required exemption certificates and, according to evidence, avoided police for two days before handing himself in.