Patcham: Community devastated after XL bully attack

People in Patcham, Brighton, said it was “really upsetting” to hear of the attack which happened on Saturday night.

A woman was walking her dog Rolo who was attacked by an XL bully that escaped from a house in Mackie Avenue.

A witness told The Argus a man got the dog off but a second larger dog came out and “clamped on” to Rolo, who died from his injuries.

The attack happened near Thornhill Avenue, pictured (Image: The Argus)

The owner of the two XL bullies agreed for them to be put down following the attack.

Gayle Newman is landlady at Ladies Mile pub near to where it happened.

The 52-year-old said: “The community is feeling the pain this family is feeling.

“We’re hoping to help them a little bit. The whole community is feeling an enormous amount of loss for them. Trying to put myself in their situation at the moment, it makes me feel sick.

“As a community we just wanted to show our support for the family and show we’re behind them. There is nothing we can do to bring Rolo back. All we can do is offer our condolences.

“We have set up a fund, we’re thinking a bench or plaque as a tribute, somewhere the family can go.

“When the time is right, we will go to them and ask what they would like. Would they like a plaque on a bench, do they need money for any vet treatment or if they don’t want anything we will donate it to the RSPCA.”

File image of an American XL bully dog (Image: PA)

A fundraiser was set up on Monday following the attack which happened at around 8.20pm on Saturday.

Neighbours in Mackie Avenue said they were “totally devastated” to hear of the incident which happened near the junction of Thornhill Avenue.

People described Patcham as an area full of families with dogs. 

Alison Harrison said: “I often go on that walk with my dog. We were in but didn’t hear anything.  It’s awful to hear.”

Chris Brown said : “It’s horrible, really upsetting and shocking. I feel really upset for the owner. I don’t understand how people have dogs known to be so aggressive.

“We were in on Saturday but didn’t hear any commotion.”

Michelle Deen, from Heston Avenue, said: “I’ve always had dogs, there are so many dog walkers around here. I have never had an experience in this area of aggressive dogs.”

People said Patcham is always busy with dog walkers. Pictured outside Ladies Mile pub (Image: The Argus)

Caroline Thomas said: “It’s a friendly loving neighbourhood. People know their neighbours. I had a cat who was run over, it limped home and some people rang the doorbell to make sure I knew about it. There are lots of dogs and dog walkers in this area.

“It’s really sad to hear about this, I don’t blame dogs really I blame the lack of training of people to know how to handle dogs.”

Peter Knight was walking with his dog called Winston. He said: “I have a strong dog, I rescued him when he was a pup. He’s a Staffy cross. You have to be careful with any dog, you have to make sure your front gate or fence is secure.

“Don’t give your dog the chance to escape. You have to be careful, if you take on anything you have to look after it.

“I often laugh because see me and my dog and people are a bit scared. He’s a friendly boy, he’s nervous of other dogs because he was attacked when he was a pup.”

One man, who asked to remain anonymous, said: “Any dog can attack, it’s not just about the owners. If it’s a big dog and an XL bully people will scream and shout, if it’s a Jack Russell you wouldn’t hear anything.

“It’s not the breed or the person, it’s the circumstances. You can’t single out a breed in my opinion.

“It’s sad, my condolences go out for both families. They’re both grieving.”

XL bullies became illegal to own from February 1 this year unless owners have a special exemption which they needed to apply for before the deadline.

They must ensure that they have insurance, the dog is neutered and they are muzzled in public and not allowed off leads.

Alistair McNair, Conservative councillor for Patcham, said: "We are very shocked that this dog attack has happened. Our thoughts are with the family of the dog that was attacked but also the family of the XL bullies. I'm sure they are in shock too about their pets.

"A dog is part of the family and I'm sure the community will be as shocked as I am."