Baby boy killed by XL bully dog named at inquest

The inquest into the death of Jonte William Bluck was opened at Gwent Coroner's Court

A nine-month-old baby killed by his family's XL bully dog has been named at the opening of an inquest into his death.

Jonte William Bluck was bitten by the animal while staying at his father's home in Crossway, Rogiet in Monmouthshire, on 2 November.

The inquest opened at Gwent Coroner's Court on Monday but adjourned until August 2026 while police inquiries continue.

A provisional cause of death was given as a compressive head injury, consistent with a dog bite.

Area coroner Rose Farmer said: "Jonte William Bluck sadly passed away on the 2nd of November 2025 at his home address.

"The brief circumstances are that on the 2nd of November he was staying at the home of his father when he was bitten by the family dog.

"He was conveyed to the Grange University Hospital but died prior to arrival.

"An inquest has been opened as there is reason to suspect that he died as a result of a dog bite."

Following the incident, a man in his 30s and a woman in her 20s from Rogiet were arrested on suspicion of child neglect and of being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control causing injury resulting in death.

They were later released on police bail.

The XL bully was a six-year-old male, who was put down, had been registered with the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra), with a certificate of exemption issued in 2024.

What is an XL bully?

An XL bully is the largest kind of American bully dog.

The UK government published guidance to help identify XL bullies, which are not a specific breed.

They are described as large dogs "with a muscular body and blocky head, suggesting great strength and power".

Male XL dogs stand from 20in (51cm) high at the shoulder, with female XLs only slightly smaller.

Dogs are considered XLs if they meet the minimum height and a substantial number of other characteristics.

What are the rules for having an XL bully?

In the UK, ownership of XL bully dogs is restricted under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.

Since 31 December 2023, it has been illegal to sell, give away, abandon or breed from an XL bully.

Since 1 February 2024, it has been a criminal offence to own an XL bully without an exemption certificate.

The government received 61,000 exemption applications before the deadline.

Owners who applied for an exemption had to buy insurance, microchip their dog and pay £92.40 per animal.

Registered dogs must be housed securely, neutered and kept on a lead and muzzled in public - but not at home.

Police can seize unregistered prohibited dogs, and their owners face up to six months in jail and/or an unlimited fine.

The UK government published guidance to help identify XL bullies, which are not recognised as a specific breed.