Savannah Bentham, 10, died from attack by pet XL bully - coroner

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Savannah Bentham was fatally injured by the family dog in the static caravan where she lived

A 10-year-old girl died as a result of injuries inflicted by her family's XL bully dog at her home in North Yorkshire, a coroner's inquest has concluded.

Savannah Bentham was fatally wounded by the pet at the family's home in a static caravan in the village of East Heslerton, near Malton, on 1 November.

An inquest at Northallerton Coroner's Court on Tuesday heard the six-year-old dog, called Biggie, had been neutered and certified in accordance with the law, and there had been no previous incidents where the pet had shown aggression.

Returning a narrative conclusion, North Yorkshire coroner Jon Heath offered his sincere condolences to Savannah's family.

The inquest was told that Savannah was watching television when her mother, Tracey Bentham, briefly left the caravan.

Det Ch Insp Matthew Wilkinson, from North Yorkshire Police, explained that Mrs Bentham had gone out to ask a relative to fix a faulty gas cannister connection, and when she returned she found the aftermath of the dog's attack.

"Savannah was in a foetal position in the address and the dog was present and covered in blood," the officer explained.

Det Ch Insp Wilkinson said that following the discovery, Savannah's grandfather secured the dog in a car while attempts were made to resuscitate the schoolgirl, including by customers of a nearby business and later by paramedics.

However, the inquest was told that Savannah died at the scene from injuries to her neck.

A post-mortem examination on the dog, which was put down by a vet following the fatal attack, found no "physical or pathological alterations" that would have caused a "burst of aggression", the inquest heard.

'Loving relationship'

Savannah's family, who watched the inquest in Northallerton via video link, had previously described her as "a wonderful girl who we love so much", and said they were "shocked and devastated by her death".

The 10-year-old attended West Heslerton C of E Primary School, and was described by her headteacher, Rachel Wells, as a "model student".

Mrs Wells said the school had lost a little girl "who 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," she said.

"Her family are in our thoughts and prayers, and we will support the school and wider community in any way we can."

In February last year it became illegal to sell, give away, abandon or breed from XL bullies.

Meanwhile, existing pets had to be certified and neutered and wear a muzzle in public.

According to North Yorkshire Police, the family had the necessary Certificate of Exemption required under the new legislation and the dog had also been neutered.

The force previously said its investigation had indicated the attack was "out of character" and that Savannah and the dog had "a close, loving relationship".

After a hearing lasting an hour, Mr Heath recorded a narrative conclusion, saying Savannah died "as a consequence of injuries inflicted on her by the family dog".

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