Three individuals were swiftly taken to the hospital after a presumed attack by an “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 functioning as a museum, with paramedics, police dog units, and armed officers responding to the scene.
Authorities confirmed that three individuals were transported to the hospital via ambulance, and a dog described by witnesses as an “XL-bully type” was apprehended. Armed police entered the premises, accompanied by a dog handler who safely removed the animal from the house and placed it in an animal transportation vehicle.
The Greater Manchester Police (GMP) stated that investigations are ongoing with no arrests made at this point, as reported by the Manchester Evening News.
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 a property on Barrie Way in Bolton. Emergency services responded, and three individuals have been taken to the hospital by ambulance. One dog has been seized, and no arrests have been carried out as inquiries continue.”
In 2024, the government prohibited XL bullies, with then Prime Minister Rishi Sunak highlighting the threat they posed to communities following a series of attacks. Data indicates a more than one-third increase in dog-related incidents over the past five years, with over a third involving the now outlawed XL bully breed.
Unregistered pets are subject to seizure, and owners may face fines and legal action. February 1, 2024, marked the deadline for registering banned dogs, with approximately 40,000 dogs listed for euthanasia before that date.
Additional prohibited breeds in the UK include the Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, and Fila Brasileiro.