Three individuals were swiftly transported to the hospital after an alleged attack by a large “XL-bully type dog.” Law enforcement received a call just before 3:30 pm today regarding a dog bite incident at a residence on Barrie Way in Bolton.
An air ambulance landed at Hall i’ Th’ Wood, a historical manor house in Bolton now serving as a museum. Paramedics, alongside police dog units and armed officers, promptly responded to the scene. The authorities confirmed that three individuals were taken to the hospital via ambulance, and a dog matching the description of an “XL-bully type” was confiscated based on eyewitness accounts.
Armed police officers were observed entering the premises, accompanied by a dog handler who safely removed the animal from the house and transferred it to an animal transport vehicle. The Greater Manchester Police (GMP) stated that investigations are ongoing, with no arrests made at this point, as per the Manchester Evening News report.
In an official statement, a spokesperson mentioned, “Officers were alerted just before 3:30 pm on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, regarding a dog bite incident at an address on Barrie Way in Bolton. Emergency services responded, and three individuals have been transported to the hospital by ambulance. One dog has been confiscated. No arrests have been made, and inquiries are in progress.”
The ban on XL bullies was enforced by the government in 2024, with then Prime Minister Rishi Sunak highlighting the perceived threat these dogs posed to communities following a series of attacks. Data indicates a significant rise in dog-related incidents over the past five years, with more than a third involving the now prohibited breed.
Unregistered pets can be seized, and owners are subject to fines and legal actions. The deadline for registering banned dogs was February 1, 2024, with approximately 40,000 dogs listed for euthanasia before the cutoff date. Additional banned breeds in the UK include the Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, and Fila Brasileiro.
