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A 15-year-old boy has been taken to hospital after being attacked by an XL Bully in Pontlottyn on Tuesday May 28.

The attack, which happened at an address on Farm Road, was reported to Gwent Police at around 3.20pm on Tuesday, with firearm officers and paramedics in attendance.

The XL Bully, which was registered, was “humanely” destroyed by a vet.

Gwent Police has said the boy’s injuries are not believed to be life-threatening or life-changing.

Caerphilly County Borough has tragically witnessed several dog attacks in recent years, including the death of ten-year-old Jack Lis in 2021, and grandmother Shirley Patrick, 83, who were both killed after dog attacks in Penyrheol.

As of February 1, 2024, the UK Government made it illegal to own an XL Bully without a certificate of exemption.

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.