A “wonderful” 10-year-old girl died after being attacked by her family’s XL bully dog at home in North Yorkshire, an inquest has heard.
Savannah Bentham had been watching television with the six-year-old dog, named Biggie, when the attack happened in the static caravan in East Heslerton, near Malton, on Friday, November 1, 2024.
The family owned the pet for four years and there had been no previous incidents with the animal, Northallerton Coroners’ Court heard on Tuesday (September 23).
Detective Chief Inspector Matthew Wilkinson from North Yorkshire Police described the animal as a “lazy dog” and said it was “entirely normal” for Savannah to be alone with it.
The family had a Certificate of Exemption for Biggie, which is required as owning XL bullies is restricted under the Dangerous Dogs Act.
DCI Wilkinson said the dog was “all legitimately registered as it has to be” and had been neutered.
XL bullies must wear a muzzle when it public but there is no requirement to at home, he added.
Savannah was left with the dog while her mother Tracy Bentham searched for the girl’s grandfather Mark to fix a gas canister attached to the caravan.
The inquest heard that the grandfather was within walking distance.
Ms Bentham had previously been at home with Savannah as it was during the school holidays, the inquest heard.
DCI Wilkinson said Ms Bentham returned to the caravan to find Savannah injured after being attacked by Biggie.
Bystanders performed CPR but Savannah was pronounced dead at 4.45pm after paramedics arrived. Her cause of death was given as neck injuries.
DCI Wilkinson said the grandfather secured the dog in a car until the emergency services arrived and took the animal to a kennel.
The dog was later put down by a vet.
Senior coroner Jon Heath said police ordered a post-mortem to be carried out on the dog as part of their investigation.
He said it did not find anything physical or pathological to indicate a “burst of aggression”.
Police said at the time that all indications suggested the attack was out of character, and that the girl and the pet had a close and loving relationship.
In a narrative conclusion, Mr Heath said Savannah "died as a consequence of injuries inflicted on her by the family dog".
The coroner offered his “sincere condolences” to the family.
Family 'utterly shocked and devastated'
Following Savannah’s death, her family members said they were “utterly shocked and devastated by what happened”.
“We can’t believe we have lost our wonderful girl who we love so much,” they said in a statement released by North Yorkshire Police.
“We thank everyone for their support and kindness as we struggle to come to terms with our loss.
“We ask that our family’s privacy is respected while we grieve for Savannah.”
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Rachel Wells, head teacher of West Heslerton CE Primary School which Savannah attended, said she “came to school every day with a smile for everyone and lots of lively chatter”.
“Savannah was a model student who loved learning and was a friend to everyone,” the head said.
“Her family are in our thoughts and prayers, and we will support the school and wider community in any way we can.”
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