An XL Bully put an eight-month-old baby girl in a coma, despite being taken by the police 13 months earlier for biting its owner. Jordan Williams, 19, faced charges after his dog, Hunter, attacked little Arabella Williams in a residence in Siskin Close, Hawkinge, Kent, on December 11 of the previous year. The infant suffered severe injuries and was rushed by air ambulance to King’s College Hospital in southeast London, where she was placed in a medically induced coma in the intensive care unit. Following a three-week hospital stay, she fortunately did not require surgical intervention.
Hunter, who was 18 months old at the time, was confiscated by the authorities and later euthanized by a veterinarian. Investigations revealed that the dog had been reported to the police in November 2023 for biting its owner’s finger and causing minor harm.
A spokesperson for the Kent Police disclosed, “The owner was requested to surrender the dog voluntarily for euthanasia, but declined. While there were no legal grounds to retain the dog, the owner was instructed to adhere to specific conditions outlined in a police order, including ensuring the dog’s secure and supervised handling.”
The subsequent incident involving the child triggered a significant emergency response, with approximately nine patrol cars and various police and forensic officers present at the location.
According to a family member interviewed by Kent Online, the attack was uncharacteristic for Hunter, described as typically affectionate. The family member mentioned, “The dog and the baby had a great relationship. They would even share the travel cot, with the dog sniffing the baby before wandering off.”
Williams, who was 18 years old at the time of the incident, was interrogated by the police and later indicted in August for owning a dog that posed a danger due to its uncontrollable behavior. He pleaded guilty to the charge at Canterbury Crown Court on October 13.
Pamela Williams, aged 77, was also arrested and accused of being in control of a dangerously unrestrained dog. She denied the charges and is scheduled for trial the following September. A motion to dismiss her charges will be reviewed in January, delaying Jordan Williams’ sentencing until after that proceeding.
A statement from Kent Police reported, “On August 13, 2025, Jordan Williams, 19, of Millfield, Folkestone, was charged with owning a dog that was dangerously out of control on December 11, 2024. On the same date, Pamela Williams, 77, also of Millfield, Folkestone, was charged with being in control of a dangerously unrestrained dog on December 11, 2024.”
Under Section 3 of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, it is illegal for a dog to exhibit dangerous behavior in public or private spaces. Both the owner and the individual in charge of the dog during such incidents are accountable for the offense.
The initial event occurred prior to the enactment of new regulations prohibiting the possession, sale, breeding, or transfer of XL bullies, which came into effect in February of the preceding year. Hunter was reportedly registered under this legislation.
Inquiries have been made to Kent Police for additional statements.
