An XL Bully has put an eight-month-old baby girl into a coma, even though it had been taken by the police 13 months earlier for biting its owner. Jordan Williams, 19, was apprehended after his dog, Hunter, attacked little Arabella Williams at a residence in Siskin Close, Hawkinge, Kent, on December 11 last year. The infant suffered severe injuries and was airlifted to King’s College Hospital in southeast London, where she was placed in an induced coma in intensive care. She spent three weeks in the hospital and fortunately did not need surgery.
Hunter, who was 18 months old at the time, was seized by the police and subsequently put down by a veterinarian. It was disclosed that he had been reported to the police in November 2023 for biting his owner on the finger and causing a minor injury.
A representative for Kent Police stated, “The owner was requested to voluntarily hand over the dog to officers for destruction, but declined. There were no legal grounds for the officers to keep the dog under the circumstances, but the owner was requested to agree to the terms of a police order, which included keeping the dog secure and supervised.”
The second incident, involving the child, triggered a significant emergency response, with approximately nine patrol cars, police, and forensic officers reportedly present at the scene.
A family member informed Kent Online that the attack was uncharacteristic for the dog, describing him as typically affectionate. “The dog and the baby had a good relationship,” they said. “They would even lie together in the travel cot. He would sniff the baby and then walk away.”
Williams, who was 18 at the time, was interrogated by the police and subsequently charged in August with owning a dog that was dangerously out of control. He pleaded guilty to the offense at Canterbury Crown Court on October 13.
Pamela Williams, 77, was also arrested and accused of being in control of a dog that was dangerously out of control. She pleaded not guilty and is set to go on trial next September. A request to dismiss her charge will be heard in January. Jordan Williams’ sentencing will follow that hearing.
A spokesperson for Kent Police stated, “On August 13, 2025, Jordan Williams, 19, of Millfield, Folkestone, was charged with owning a dog that was dangerously out of control on December 11, 2024. On the same day, Pamela Williams, 77, also of Millfield, Folkestone, was charged with being in control of a dog that was dangerously out of control on December 11, 2024.”
According to Section 3 of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, it is illegal for a dog to be dangerously out of control in a public or private setting. Both the owner and anyone in charge of such a dog at that time are considered responsible for the offense.
The initial incident occurred before the enactment of new laws prohibiting the ownership, sale, breeding, or transfer of XL bullies in February of the previous year. Hunter was reportedly registered under this legislation.
The Mirror has reached out to Kent Police for additional comments.