A grandmother who was mauled to death by five American Bulldogs in her home was reportedly treated in hospital for dog bites just a year ago.
‘Lovely and funny’ Ann Dunn, 65, died on Monday night at a property in St Brigids Crescent, Vauxhall, Liverpool, after being mauled by ‘several’ dogs.
Five American Bulldogs were later removed from the property by Merseyside Police and ‘humanely destroyed’.
According to the Liverpool Echo, Ms Dunn had to be hospitalized in August last year after suffering multiple bites from a large dog, although her injuries on that occasion were not life-threatening.
It is not known if the dog that attacked her on this occasion was involved in her death.
Tributes poured in for Ms Dunn, who worked as a cleaner at John Moores University in Liverpool.
A university spokesperson said: “The university community is absolutely shocked and devastated by this tragic loss and losing Ann in this way is nothing short of heartbreaking.
“Ann was hardworking and dedicated and had so many friends throughout the organization. It’s just awful and she will be missed terribly. Our thoughts at this time are with her family and loved ones.”
A neighbour, who asked not to be named, told the Mirror that Ann was ‘beautiful, funny and a happy girl’ who had ‘not so long ago been on holiday with her daughter’.
A 31-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of owning a dangerously out of control dog and has since been released on bail pending further investigation.
A Merseyside Police spokeswoman said the inquiry team could not say whether the previous attack formed part of their investigations.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Merseyside Police or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 and quoting reference 22000731247.
American Bulldogs are not one of the four dog breeds banned in the UK under the Dangerous Dogs Act.
Breeds illegal to own in the UK are:
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pit bull terrier
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japanese tosa
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Dogo Argentino
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Fila Brazil
Although the breeds themselves are banned, there are also activities associated with them that are illegal in the UK, including selling, abandoning or breeding them.
The maximum penalty for offenders could be up to six months in prison or an unlimited fine or both, while community orders can also be issued, depending on the perceived risk factor for the public.