Woman jailed over XL Bullies' attack on passer-by

A woman whose XL Bully dogs mauled a passer-by in a seven-minute attack has been jailed.

Kelis Smith, 24, of Brock Hall Close in St Helens, admitted two counts of being the owner or person in charge of a dog dangerously out of control and causing injury over the May 2023 attack.

Merseyside Police said Smith's two dogs escaped from her unsecure garden before attacking a woman in her 20s who was on the street.

Smith was earlier sentenced in Liverpool Crown Court to 12 months in prison and has been banned from owning dogs for two years.

The judge also issued a "destruction order" for the two dogs, which had been kept in police kennels since the incident, police said.

Police said neighbours rushed out to help after hearing the victim's screams.

The woman was left with what were described as life-changing injuries to her arms and hands.

Det Sgt Ian Harrison said: "It was only thanks to the brave actions of neighbours that it wasn’t worse.

"We can only hope that this case gives a stark warning to dog owners about keeping animals under control."

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