In response to a surge in fatal dog attacks, a ban on owning American XL bullies was implemented in 2024, with an estimated 50,000 XL bullies in the UK.

The fatal dog attack in Essex occurred just two days after legislation concerning XL Bullies came into effect in February.

The incident in Essex marks the first case charged under the new laws on owning XL bullies in England and Wales, which took effect on February 1.

Ashley Warren, 40, is facing charges for owning two XL bully dogs that fatally attacked Esther Martin, 68, in Essex on February 3, as well as other offenses under the Animal Welfare Act and drug possession.

Warren is scheduled to appear at Colchester Magistrates’ Court on August 22 in connection with the incident.

Esther Martin's family described her as amazing and expressed deep sorrow over her tragic death.

A coroner's officer reported that Esther Martin's injuries from the dog bites were 'unsurvivable,' leading to her death at 4:47 PM.

Esther Martin was found unresponsive with severe dog bite injuries and was pronounced dead at 4:47 PM.

Police had to intervene by shooting the XL bully dogs to stop the attack, following a recent ban on unregistered XL bully dogs in the area.

XL Bully dogs are now classified as banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, requiring existing dogs to be neutered and controlled in public.

Esther Martin's cause of death was determined to be 'dog bite wounds to the upper right limb.'

New laws were enacted in February, making it a criminal offense to own an XL Bully dog without a certificate of exemption.