An XL Bully put an eight-month-old infant in a coma, despite being seized by authorities 13 months earlier for biting its owner.
A 19-year-old named Jordan Williams was taken into custody after his dog, Hunter, attacked the baby, Arabella Williams, at a residence in Siskin Close, Hawkinge, Kent, on December 11 last year. The child suffered severe injuries and was airlifted to King’s College Hospital in southeast London, where she was placed in a medically induced coma in the intensive care unit. She spent three weeks in the hospital and fortunately did not need surgery.
Hunter, who was 18 months old at the time, was confiscated by police and later euthanized by a veterinarian. It was disclosed that Hunter had been reported to the authorities in November 2023 for biting his owner on the finger and causing a minor injury.
Kent Police’s representative stated, “The owner was requested to voluntarily surrender the dog to the officers for euthanasia, but declined. There were no legal grounds for the police to retain the dog in that situation, but the owner was asked to agree to follow the conditions of a police order, which included securely containing and supervising the dog.”
The second incident, involving the child, triggered a significant emergency response, with approximately nine patrol cars and police and forensic officers present at the scene.
A relative informed Kent Online that the attack was uncharacteristic for Hunter, describing him as typically affectionate. They mentioned, “The dog and the baby had a good relationship. They would sometimes be found together in the travel cot. Hunter would sniff the baby and then go about his business.”
Williams, who was 18 years old at the time, was interrogated by the police and subsequently charged in August with being the owner of a dog that was dangerously out of control. He confessed to the offense at Canterbury Crown Court on October 13.
Pamela Williams, aged 77, was also apprehended and accused of being in control of a dog deemed dangerous. She pleaded not guilty and is scheduled to face trial in September. A request to dismiss her charge will be considered in January. Jordan Williams will not be sentenced until after that court hearing.
A spokesperson for Kent Police announced, “On August 13, 2025, Jordan Williams, 19, from Millfield, Folkestone, was charged with owning a dog that was dangerously out of control on December 11, 2024. On the same date, Pamela Williams, 77, also from Millfield, Folkestone, was charged with being in control of a dog that was dangerously out of control on December 11, 2024.”
It is a criminal offense under Section 3 of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 for a dog to be dangerously out of control in a public or private setting. Both the owner and the person in charge of such a dog at the time are considered responsible for the offense.
The initial incident occurred prior to the implementation of new laws prohibiting the ownership, sale, breeding, or transfer of XL bullies, which came into effect in February of the previous year. Hunter was reportedly registered under this legislation.
The Mirror has reached out to Kent Police for additional comments.