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On November 8, 2021, Jack Lis died following a dog attack at a friends house on Pentwyn, Penyrheol.
Jack’s mother Emma Whitfield has spoken to Caerphilly Observer about her ongoing campaign to tackle the threat of dangerous dogs, and how she’ll mark the date when she lost her ten-year-old son.
Jack was killed by an XL American Bully called Beast, which was shot dead by firearms officers after the attack.
Since the tragedy, Ms Whitfield has fought tirelessly to bring about change, and has made appearances in the Senedd and Westminster to try and get decision makers on her side.
There has been progress since Jack’s tragic passing. The American XL Bully was recently banned by the UK Government following a number of serious attacks across the UK – with two fatal attacks, including Jack’s, in Caerphilly alone.
In December 2022, grandmother Shirley Patrick, 83, was killed after being attacked by a dog on Heol Fawr, also in Penyrheol.
When asked by Caerphilly Observer how she’s doing during this difficult period, Emma said: “I’m holding it together for now. I keep going for him.”
On the progress made, Emma is pleased to see change, but said more needs to be done.
She said: “I try and be as transparent as possible on this topic, but it’s hard not to upset some people.
“I’ll never defend the breed that took my son. I’m happy with the changes, but we can’t stop at a ban.
What is the Dangerous Dog Act?
The 1991 Dangerous Dog Act is a set of laws that limits the public to what breed of dog they can and can’t own, as well as outlining their responsibilities as owners, in keeping control of potentially dangerous dogs.The list of prohibited dogs are:
- Pit Bull Terrier
- Japanese Tosa
- Dogo Argentino
- Fila Brasileiro
In 2014, an amendment was made to the act which extended it to cover private property. Prior to this, the Act was only applicable to public spaces.
The punishment for owning any of the previously mentioned breeds varies from a £1,000 fine to six months’ imprisonment.
If any dog was to be the direct cause of loss of life and showed signs of being a ‘dangerous dog’ before the attack, the owner of such a dog could face up to 14 years’ imprisonment.
On deciding whether a dog was potentially dangerous or not prior to an attack, the court is asked to assess the temperament of the dog and also the owner’s ability to control such a dog.
According to figures from the Office for National Statistics, between 2000 and 2019, a total of 64 people in England and Wales lost their lives as a result of an attack by a dog.
“I’m no expert and only offer my opinion, but for me, the two points of focus are backyard breeders and irresponsible owners.
“It’s currently too easy for people to breed a litter of puppies and sell them out the back of a car boot in a park somewhere. We need measures in place that mean both breeders and puppies are registered and that there’s a paper trail of details.
“When it comes to owners, I believe attitudes need to change. The council needs to focus on educating new and current owners of dangerous dogs, and not just start taking away dogs which will only push sales underground. It’s about growing trust and confidence.”
An initiative described as ‘Jack’s legacy‘ was launched in September 2023 by Caerphilly County Borough Council in a bid to end dangerous dog attacks.
Local Environmental Awareness on Dogs (LEAD) aims to provide advice to dog owners and deal with ‘inconsiderate’ behaviour by those with dogs.
MP for Caerphilly, Wayne David, has helped Emma on her campaign to bring about change.
He said: “Emma, has been a tower of strength and has campaigned tirelessly on the issue of dangerous dogs. And real progress has been made.
“Emma has been to Parliament and met dozens of MPs and peers, and the government has responded. It has promised to ‘ban’ American XL Bullies – the dog which killed Jack – before the end of the year. But Emma recognises that this will not ‘solve’ the problem of dangerous dogs.
“Other measures, such as more controls of dog breeding, are needed, and Emma is determined to continue her campaign, and I will support her all the way.”
Plaid Cymru Senedd Member Peredur Owen Griffiths also spoke on the topic recently and said: “In Wales, we do have animal welfare powers however. This means that if a legislative approach is taken to promote ‘happy healthy dogs’ then it is within our competence.
“I called upon the Rural Affairs Minister to do everything her government could do to put in measures to protect our citizens and bring down the increasing rate of dog attacks in Wales.”
To mark Jack’s passing, Emma said she and the family have been invited back to Jack’s school, Cwm Ifor Primary.
She said: “When Jack died, people came to lay flowers at a tree in the school grounds, now we go back there each year to lay flowers and remember him. It’s not a celebration, but a way to come together.”
Emma will be starting a new tradition this year in honour of Jack.
She added: “Jack loved Christmas. I’ve decided that November 8 every year will be when I put my Christmas lights up.”
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