Savannah Bentham: Girl, 10, dies after family’s XL bully dog brutally attacks her, found ‘covered in blood’

WARNING: DISTRESSING CONTENT

An inquest has concluded that a 10-year-old girl died from horrific injuries caused by her family’s pet XL bully dog, which mauled her while her mum was out.

Savannah Bentham was at her family’s fixed caravan home in Easter Heslerton, North Yorkshire, when she was brutally attacked on November 1 last year.

The six-year-old dog named Biggie had no history of aggression and had not been involved in any violent incidents previously, the inquest heard.

Tracey Bentham, Savannah’s mother, had left the caravan for a short time to ask the girl’s grandfather, Mark, to help fix a faulty gas cannister connection, The York Press reported.

The inquest was told Mark lived within walking distance, and Ms Bentham had left Savannah inside watching television.

Matthew Wilkinson, a detective chief inspector with North Yorkshire Police said when Ms Bentham returned, she found the aftermath of the dog attack.

“Savannah was in a foetal position (in the caravan) and the dog was present and covered in blood,” Mr Wilkinson told the inquest.

The girl’s grandfather was also present, and moved the dog from the caravan, securing it in a car while multiple attempts were made to resuscitate the 10-year-old.

Tragically, despite efforts of both nearby locals and paramedics, Savannah died at the scene from severe injuries to her neck, the BBC reported.

Following the attack, Biggie was put down by a vet and a post mortem of the dog found nothing to indicate a “burst of aggression” had occurred.

Coroner Jon Heath told the inquest Savannah had died “as a consequence of injuries inflicted on her by the family dog” and offered his “sincere condolences” to her family.

Savannah’s family had owned Biggie for four years, and Mr Wilkinson described the XL bully as a “lazy dog” and said that it was “entirely normal” for Savannah to be left alone with it.

To own an XL bully dog, the family had obtained the requisite Certificate of Exemption under the Dangerous Dogs Act.

Biggie was legitimately registered and had also been neutered. He was required to wear a muzzle when out in public but not at home.

Savannah’s family have been left “utterly shocked and devastated by what happened” according to a statement released by North Yorkshire Police.

“We can’t believe we have lost our wonderful girl who we love so much,” they said.

“We thank everyone for their support and kindness as we struggle to come to terms with our loss.

“We ask that our family’s privacy is respected while we grieve for Savannah.”