- Author, Eleanor Lawson
- Role, BBC News, West Midlands
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A dog owner has been charged over the death of a man who was fatally mauled by two XL bullies.
Ian Price, 52, died in September after being attacked by two dogs outside a property on Main Road, Stonnall, near Walsall.
James Trimble-Pettit, 31, of Fradley, Staffordshire, has been charged with two counts of possessing a dog dangerously out of control resulting in death, and will appear in court in September.
Just hours after the fatal attack on the father-of-two, then-Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced that the XL bully breed was to be banned in England.
Mr Sunak said the dogs posed “a danger to our communities” and would be banned by the end of the year.
Ownership of XL Bully dogs is now restricted under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.
Since December 31, 2023, it is prohibited to sell, give away, abandon or breed a Bully XL.
Since February 1, 2024, owning an XL bully without an exemption certificate is a criminal offense.
Staffordshire Police said specialist officers were continuing to support Mr Price’s family.
Following Mr Price’s death, close friend Rob Ellwood paid tribute to the 52-year-old, saying he enjoyed walking his own dogs and Aston Villa.
“He would do anything for anyone, he was a patriot, a gentleman, a businessman and a scholar,” he said.
“A pillar of the community, Ian will be sadly missed by all who knew him.”
He described Mr Price as a devoted husband and father of two children, a son and a brother.
“It’s no surprise to anyone who knew Ian that his first love was his family,” Mr Ellwood said.
“He often spoke of their accomplishments and the pride he felt in them.”
Another friend, Dave Turner, describes him as “a very important part of village life, always there to help people”.
He said his friend’s death had sent “shockwaves through the village”.
