Fatal Mauling Occurs During Owner’s Absence
A 68-year-old grandmother suffered fatal injuries when two XL bully dogs attacked her in an Essex home just 48 hours after new restrictions on the breed took effect. Esther Martin sustained dozens of wounds including a bone-fracturing arm bite during the February 2024 incident while pet-sitting ten dogs for her daughter’s partner.
Dangerous Conditions Alleged
Prosecutors stated that Ashley Warren, 41, left Martin with two adult XL bullies and eight puppies despite her limited mobility and minimal experience handling dogs. Security footage presented in court captured screams from Martin and a child present during the attack at Warren’s Jaywick residence.
Emergency responders reportedly required tasers to subdue the “frenzied” animals before entering the property. Officials confirmed neither dog involved had exemption certificates required under legislation that criminalized unregistered XL bully ownership in England and Wales starting February 1.
Contradictory Breed Assessments Emerge
Evidence presented revealed Warren told police officers eleven days before the attack that smaller breeds posed greater risks. “Poodles that come up to you barking are more aggressive,” the aspiring musician allegedly claimed during a recorded interaction where XL bullies played nearby.
Prosecutors challenged Warren’s assertion about possessing exemption paperwork, calling it demonstrably false. Records indicate he falsely informed both authorities and his landlord about securing required certifications for the banned dogs.
Legal Proceedings Underway
Warren denies charges related to owning one dog and supervising another that caused fatal injuries while dangerously uncontrolled. Court documents show he acknowledges housing both animals but claims he reasonably believed Martin could manage them.
Additional charges involve allegedly carrying a blade at a railway station on the attack date, which Warren contends was a music video prop. The trial continues as authorities examine whether proper precautions were taken with the restricted breed following nationwide safety concerns.
