The Belgian Malinois which killed the Coventry youth ‘could’ be added to the banned dogs list

Experts say the breed of dog that bit and killed a Coventry puppy could be banned under British law. Seven-month-old Ella Doherty was bitten on the head in her home last Sunday.

She died of her injuries later at the hospital. The family pet, a Belgian Malinois, was taken by the police and humanely destroyed.

West Midlands Police said no crime had been committed and Ella’s death had been referred to the coroner. There are currently five breeds on the UK’s banned dangerous dog list.

These are pit bull terriers, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro and, since the beginning of this year, bully XL. But pet insurers Petwise previously named the Belgian Malinois as a breed that could be added to that list.

READ MORE: Dog breed that killed baby Elle Doherty as police say ‘no criminal offence’

In a banned breed section of its website, experts said: “More breeds could be added. One of these is the Belgian Malinois. This breed has strong herding and guarding instincts and is inclined to chase and bite things.

“Owners of this breed must provide regular training. Without it, dogs can become anxious and attack their owners or other people they come in contact with. Older dogs can be vulnerable to attacks from other dogs.

“If you have an older and slower pet, you may decide to keep them on a lead when in public spaces to reduce the risk. Caution is always key, and taking out pet insurance for senior dogs can help cover veterinary costs should your pet require treatment.

“We are already seeing an increase in the number of Belgian Malinois that need to be rehomed because their owners are unable to care for them properly. But with puppies selling for as little as £650, a total ban could be the only option. .”

In a statement about Ella’s death, West Midlands Police said: “Following a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of a child who tragically died after being bitten by a pet dog at a home in Coventry, detectives are now thankful that they existed without criminal offences. We were called to a property on Shorncliffe Road shortly after 3pm on Sunday. Together with our colleagues from the ambulance we arrived in a few minutes.

“Seven-month-old Elle Doherty suffered serious head injuries after being bitten by the family dog ​​inside the home. Elle was treated at the scene by paramedics before being rushed to hospital for further treatment. Tragically, she died a short time later. Our thoughts remain with her family during this devastating time.

“The pet dog, registered as a Belgian Malinois, was removed from the home on Sunday and humanely destroyed. We have updated Elle’s family and a file is now being prepared for the coroner. Our thoughts remain with the family at this tragic time, and they have now asked to be allowed to grieve in private.”

XL Bully Ban

Earlier this year, a ban on XL bully dogs came into effect. The law says it is an offence:

• I am selling a Bully XL dog
• abandon a Bully XL dog or let it wander
• give away a Bully XL dog
• breeds or breeds from a Bully XL dog
• you have a Bully XL in public without lead and muzzle

Those who had an XL bully when the ban came into effect were required to register their pets. The ban was brought in following a number of high profile attacks and deaths due to race.

However, critics of dog breed bans say they are not effective ways to reduce attacks. They say it can be difficult to determine a dog’s specific breed, especially mixed breeds, and that such bans discriminate against responsible dog owners who properly train their pets.