{"id":155459,"date":"2025-09-23T13:18:09","date_gmt":"2025-09-23T13:18:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/155459\/"},"modified":"2025-09-23T13:18:09","modified_gmt":"2025-09-23T13:18:09","slug":"mother-found-pet-xl-bully-biggie-covered-in-blood-after-it-fatally-mauled-daughter-10-inquest-hears","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/155459\/","title":{"rendered":"Mother found pet XL bully Biggie ‘covered in blood’ after it fatally mauled daughter, 10, inquest hears"},"content":{"rendered":"

By GLEN KEOGH, SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT<\/a> <\/p>\n

Published: 08:15 EDT, 23 September 2025 | Updated: 08:19 EDT, 23 September 2025 <\/p>\n

A horrified mother discovered the body of her ten-year-old daughter after it had been mauled to death by the family’s XL Bully<\/a> dog, which was \u2018covered in blood\u2019, an inquest heard today.<\/p>\n

Tracey Bentham had left her daughter Savannah watching television with the dog, named Biggie, in their static caravan home.<\/p>\n

The hearing was told this was perfectly normal as Biggie was regarded as \u2018lazy\u2019 and although classed as a dangerous breed he was legally registered under an exemption certificate and the family had complied with all legal requirements.<\/p>\n

But tragedy struck a fortnight after the child’s birthday when Savannah wanted to have a shower and discovered the hot water was not working properly.<\/p>\n

Her mother went off into the grounds of the site in the village of East Heslerton, North Yorkshire, looking for Savannah’s grandfather to sort out a problem with the gas bottle.<\/p>\n

When Ms Bentham returned she found Savannah lying in a foetal position on the caravan floor, having been bitten in the throat by Biggie, who was later destroyed.<\/p>\n

Detective Chief Inspector Matthew Wilkinson was the senior investigating officer on call when emergency services raced to the scene and he investigated Savannah’s death.<\/p>\n

He said the family had owned the XL Bully for four years. It had been registered, chipped and neutered by the family in accordance with the legislation.<\/p>\n

The legislation required it to be muzzled in public as a dangerous dog but not when it was in the confines of the family home.<\/p>\n

Giving evidence to the inquest in Northallerton, DCI Wilkinson said: \u2018During that afternoon Savannah was going to have a shower. She tried to use the hot water and it became apparent the Calor gas was not connected.<\/p>\n

\"Savannah <\/p>\n

Savannah Bentham died after being attacked by the family XL Bully, named Biggie (file photo)<\/p>\n

‘So Tracey went to find [grandfather] Mark to sort out the connection. At that time, Savannah was at home with the dog watching TV.<\/p>\n

\u2018There was nothing to suggest any cause for concern. Biggie was described as a lazy dog. As they came back they could see Biggie had attacked Savannah.\u2019<\/p>\n

Emergency services were called and customers from the nearby scooter dealership also gave first aid.<\/p>\n

The detective added: \u2018There were no witnesses in the caravan when the incident occurred. When Tracey came back she saw Savannah in a foetal position.<\/p>\n

\u2018The dog was covered in blood. Mark secured the dog to the side of the caravan so Savannah could be given first aid.\u2019<\/p>\n

Sadly, Savannah was certified dead at the scene at 4.45pm and taken to Scarborough Hospital. A post-mortem revealed she had died from neck injuries.<\/p>\n

Biggie was taken to police kennels and later subject to a post-mortem.<\/p>\n

The examination revealed no physical of pathological changes which could explain the \u2018outburst of aggression\u2019 and no signs the dog was troubled, Northallerton Coroner’s Court was told.<\/p>\n

Police looked at a number of potential offences under the official guidance on dangerous dogs cases, including manslaughter, the inquest was told.<\/p>\n

But DCI Wilkinson said: \u2018Savannah and Biggie being together was entirely normal. There had never been an incident in relation to the dog in the family home.\u2019<\/p>\n

Attending the hearing by video link Savannah\u2019s parents shook their heads when asked if they had any further questions.<\/p>\n

Summing up the evidence, Senior Coroner Jon Heath said: \u2018The dog was not muzzled because the legislation did not require it to be while in the family home.<\/p>\n

\u2018The evidence is not contested. I find Biggie was an XL Bully and registered in accordance with an an XL Bully exemption certificate.<\/p>\n

\u2018Biggie was not muzzled as it was the family home.’<\/p>\n

He recorded a narrative conclusion that Savannah \u2018died as a consequence of injuries inflicted by the family dog.\u2019<\/p>\n

Paying tribute to Savannah shortly after her death, her family said in a statement: \u2018We are utterly shocked and devastated by what happened to Savannah. We can\u2019t believe we have lost our wonderful girl who we love so much.<\/p>\n

\u2018We thank everyone for their support and kindness as we struggle to come to terms with our loss.\u2019<\/p>\n

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