The girl’s mum screamed ‘my baby’s dead’ after the horror attack at a caravan park
A 10-year-old-girl tragically lost her life after being attacked by her ‘new pet’, an XL Bully dog. The girl, Savannah, had excitedly told her friends about the new addition to the family before the horrific incident occurred.
Neighbours have shared their shock and sadness at the loss of the ‘lovely little lass’, who was known for her caring nature, having previously looked after a bearded dragon lizard. She had proudly announced to her friends: “I have got a new pet – an XL Bully” – according to reports from the Mirror.
One neighbour said: “She was such a sweet thing. I only know her because she would come in the park to play. “Everybody is totally shocked and upset about it. The family have not lived here long. I have only met her. I have never met her mum and dad.”
“She would come on the park and play on the swings and I would pass the time of day with her. She was a lovely little girl – really chatty. It is just so sad.
The shocking incident left the residents of a nearby holiday caravan park in Malton, North Yorkshire, horrified. They were unaware of any trouble until Savannah’s mum emerged from their home, located on an adjacent field.
The family had been residing in a static caravan on private land since the summer, believed to be related to the landowners, and were thought to be providing security behind a shop premises.
The Mail reports that the girl’s dad is a mechanic working at the site, and Savannah was their only child. A local farmer told the Mail: “The dog is an XL bully. It has been certified and is well looked after. It’s a very big dog. I’ve seen it around the pub a few times, it doesn’t bother anyone or other dogs and is well-behaved.”
“The mother ran out from the static caravan screaming ‘my baby’s dead.’ Some people from the caravan site went over to help. She was obviously really distraught. The police got here very fast, there were two helicopters, ambulances turned up and an armed response unit. Someone put the dog in a car apparently.”
He added: “They are really nice people. The girl is a really polite girl who always says please and thank you. She was a lovely little lass who you would see riding her bike around.”
A representative from the caravan site also spoke about the family and the dog and said: “We knew they had an XL bully dog. We only knew Savannah because her mum had asked if she could play in the park and we said ‘Of course she can’.”
“Savannah told us she had a new dog. It was not that long ago. We used to come onto the park and play with the other children.”
Concerns had been raised by locals about a dog prior to a tragic incident, with one neighbour reportedly telling the Daily Mail: “I have never seen or heard the dog and I am here every day. There have been a couple of incidents when people had seen the dog come as far as the yard gate without any muzzle or lead on and that was a bit scary. Savannah had said herself ‘We have got a new pet’. Other children who played with Savannah in the yard said it was a family pet.”
The static caravan where the girl lived was sited during the summer next to the Snooty Fox caravan park, just outside East Heslerton. North Yorkshire Police responded to a call at 4.15pm on Friday but were unable to save the child due to her severe injuries.
Officials indicated that Savannah enjoyed a “close, loving relationship” with the dog, which is now scheduled for euthanasia.
A relative managed to confine the dog in a vehicle upon the emergency team’s approach. The dog, believed to be of a bully breed, was taken into custody by the authorities and is currently housed in secure kennels pending breed identification, essential for the ongoing investigation.
Site manager of the caravan park, Samantha Robinson, speaking with the Mail, described Savannah’s recent move to the caravan site approximately four months ago and how she came across as “a lovely little girl, she asked permission to play on the swings in the park and we gave it,” further mentioning Savannah’s conversation about her new American XL Bully pet.
The girl had been seen enjoying the swings in the play area of the adjoining caravan park just the afternoon before the tragic incident occurred. North Yorkshire Police shared: “Our thoughts remain with the girl’s family and friends at this very distressing time.”
“Officers are supporting the family while inquiries continue. We also urge people not to speculate about the incident, respect the family’s privacy and allow them to grieve in peace. We will provide more information when we are able to.”
Heartfelt tributes have poured in on social media for the young girl, with one woman writing on Facebook: “Such sad news. My heart goes out to the family. RIP.” Another commented: “Rest peacefully young lady condolences to all concerned.”
This heartbreaking event is the most recent in a series of deadly dog attacks across England and Wales this year. In the last 10 months, there have been at least seven reported fatalities involving children and adults attacked by dogs.
Since February, owning an XL bully without a certificate has been made a criminal offence. The Office for National Statistics has revealed that there were 30 deaths resulting from dog attacks in 2023, which is over twice the number recorded in 2022.
