Key Takeaways:
- Martin Griffiths, a 41-year-old army veteran, intervened in a dog attack in Wrexham city centre, saving a woman from further injury.
- The dog’s owner, Tomasz Wegner, was sentenced to 15 months in prison, suspended for two years, and disqualified from keeping a dog for two years.
- The victim, Yasmin Begum, was left with teeth marks on her forehead and had her hijab pulled off during the attack.
- New rules introduced in February 2024 make it illegal to own an XL bully in Wales and England without an exemption certificate.
- Registered XL bully dogs must be housed securely, neutered, kept on a lead, and muzzled in public.
Introduction to the Incident
The incident occurred in Wrexham city centre, where a woman, Yasmin Begum, was attacked by an XL bully dog. The dog, named Ari, was owned by Tomasz Wegner, who had been walking it in the area. The attack was witnessed by several people, including Martin Griffiths, a 41-year-old army veteran and kickboxing instructor. Griffiths, who was in a cafe with his children at the time, heard a commotion outside and rushed to help the woman. He grabbed the dog and held it down until the police arrived, preventing further injury to Begum.
The Attack and Its Aftermath
The attack was a traumatic experience for Begum, who was left with teeth marks on her forehead and had her hijab pulled off. She was also subjected to verbal abuse by Wegner, who appeared to be intoxicated at the time. The incident has left Begum and her children shaken, with Begum expressing concerns about her personal safety and that of her children. The court heard that Wegner had initially denied the charges, but later changed his plea to guilty. He claimed that the dog was not an XL bully, but rather a Cane Corso, and that it was calm and gentle before the attack.
The Sentence and Reaction
Wegner was sentenced to 15 months in prison, suspended for two years, and disqualified from keeping a dog for two years. The XL bully dog, Ari, was also ordered to be destroyed. Martin Griffiths, who intervened in the attack, has dismissed calls to be hailed as a hero, saying that he simply did what anyone would have done in that situation. Griffiths described the sentence as "ridiculous" and expressed concern that it did not reflect the severity of the incident. The case has highlighted the need for stricter controls on the ownership of XL bully dogs, which have been associated with several high-profile attacks in recent years.
New Rules for XL Bully Owners
In response to concerns about the safety of the public, new rules were introduced in February 2024, making it illegal to own an XL bully in Wales and England without an exemption certificate. Registered XL bully dogs must be housed securely, neutered, kept on a lead, and muzzled in public. The rules aim to reduce the risk of attacks and ensure that owners take responsibility for their dogs’ behavior. The case of Tomasz Wegner and his XL bully dog, Ari, serves as a reminder of the importance of these rules and the need for owners to prioritize public safety.
The Heroism of Martin Griffiths
Despite his humility, Martin Griffiths’ actions on the day of the attack were undoubtedly heroic. He put himself at risk to protect a stranger and prevent further injury. His selflessness and bravery have been recognized by many, who have praised him for his actions. Griffiths’ experience as an army veteran and kickboxing instructor likely played a role in his ability to intervene effectively, but his actions were ultimately driven by a desire to help someone in need. His story serves as an inspiration to others, highlighting the importance of standing up for what is right and protecting those who are vulnerable.
Conclusion
The incident in Wrexham city centre highlights the importance of responsible dog ownership and the need for stricter controls on the ownership of XL bully dogs. The case of Tomasz Wegner and his XL bully dog, Ari, serves as a reminder of the risks associated with these dogs and the need for owners to prioritize public safety. Martin Griffiths’ heroic actions on the day of the attack demonstrate the importance of standing up for what is right and protecting those who are vulnerable. As the rules for XL bully owners continue to evolve, it is essential that owners take responsibility for their dogs’ behavior and prioritize the safety of the public.