Tributes have been paid to a “wonderful” 10-year-old girl who was mauled to death by her family’s dog on Friday.
Savannah Bentham suffered serious injuries when she was attacked by a dog at her home near Malton in North Yorkshire at about 4.15pm on Friday, in what police said was “out of character” for the family pet.
She died at the scene despite efforts from paramedics and a member of the public who had come to the family’s aid.
In a statement, her family described being “utterly shocked and devastated” and expressed disbelief at the death of “our wonderful girl who we love so much”.
They added: “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.”
Police were called to East Heslerton, near Malton, by Yorkshire ambulance service after reports of a girl being mauled by a dog. They have not confirmed reports that the pet was an XL bully-type breed.
A police spokesperson said: “Despite the efforts of medical professionals and a member of the public who came to the family’s aid, the girl sadly died at the scene. Officers are conducting detailed enquiries covering all aspects of the incident. One of the lines of enquiry relates to the behaviour of the dog to help explain, as far as possible, why it attacked the girl.
“All indications so far suggest it was out of character, with Savannah and the dog having a close, loving relationship.”
A postmortem took place on Sunday evening, police said, and an inquest into the circumstances surrounding Savannah’s death will be opened and adjourned in the coming days.
The dog would be euthanised, North Yorkshire police said, adding that officers continued to support the family.
Fatal dog attacks are becoming more common in England and Wales, with Savannah the eighth victim in 2024, after nine in 2023. The American XL bully was responsible for more than half of these attacks.
In May, the Guardian reported that 400 XL bullies had been euthanised since the breed type was banned in February. In total, £76,500 had been paid to owners who opted to have their pets put down.
Figures also show 57,277 exemption certificates were issued to owners who want to keep their pet, on the condition it is neutered, microchipped and kept on a muzzle and lead when in public.
