Wiltshire woman sentenced after XL Bully attack on public
Police said the attack left the owner and dog with physical injuries which are still present almost a year later
Last updated 6th Oct 2025
A woman has been sentenced for an attack by her American XL Bully in Little Somerford following an investigation by our Dangerous Dogs team.
In July 2024, Rosa Tennant, 32, of The Hill, Little Somerford, received a warning after her exempted XL Bully escaped her property.
In November 2024, the XL Bully escaped again without a lead, collar or muzzle and attacked a member of the public and his spaniel.
Police said the owner and dog both suffered physical and psychological injuries which are still present almost a year later.
The XL Bully was seized and taken to secure police kennels. During the investigation, it was established that Tennant had breached the DEFRA certificate of exemption conditions despite being warned previously by officers that the gate was not sufficient to secure the dog.
Tennant also failed to report the attack to police.
She was charged and pleaded guilty to being the owner of a dog dangerously out of control causing injury.
Due to the American XL Bully breaching the exemption conditions, Tennant was also charged with and pleaded guilty to being in possession of a fighting dog.
On Friday (03/10), she was sentenced to 120 hours of unpaid work. She will also have to pay £477 in compensation and £1500 of kennel fees.
Wiltshire Police said the dog will be humanely put to sleep, subject to an appeal.
PC Paul Croft, from the Dangerous Dogs team, said: “We are aware that this dog caused a lot of concern and tensions from the local community and following the attack we took swift action to ensure the dog was seized.
“During the process, Tennant showed a complete lack of remorse and took no accountability for allowing her dog to escape and attack a member of the public and their dog.
“The law around banned breeds and the exemptions for them are in place to protect the public, and we will continue to act robustly to protect the community and ensure the laws are enforced.”