Morgan Dorsett, 19, died on Wednesday despite efforts of emergency services after an XL Bully-type dog mauled her at a property in south Bristol – the pet has since been put down
An XL Bully that mauled 19-year-old Morgan Dorsett to death tried to attack a neighbour three weeks before, a woman has claimed.
The XL Bully-type dog was put down after it killed the teen in Bristol on Wednesday. Ms Dorsett had been visiting the dog’s owner inside an upstairs flat when the attack happened.
A neighbour has now claimed to have almost been attacked by the dog just three weeks earlier. The woman, in her mid 20s who did not want to be identified, shared how the alleged attack unfolded as she walked back home.
“I was coming back home with some shopping late afternoon and I saw the dog and its owner talking towards me,” she told The Sun. “The closer I got to them, the more the dog was pulling at its lead and when I was a few metres away it was barking and growling like mad and was clearly trying to get at me.
“The owner was pulling it back with all his strength and only just managed to keep it, kind of, under control. I don’t know whether the dog was going for me or whatever food was in my shopping bags, but it was absolutely terrifying.”
The woman explained she considered calling the police and spoke to a neighbour about what happened. She added the other neighbour explained she had a run-in with the dog as well in similar circumstances. But the woman eventually decided against contacting officers as she did not “want any trouble.” The woman said it was “heart-breaking” for Ms Dorsett and her family and was glad the dog had been destroyed.
Official figures said there were 19 deaths by dogs in 2023 and six in 2002. But the figures did not break down the number of attacks or deaths by breed of dog. Ms Dorsett’s family member Caelia Dorsett paid tribute to her on social media. In a post shared to Facebook, she said: “My sweet angel. There are no words that describe this feeling.
“I am so grateful for all the memories we made together and having you as my ‘built in bestie.’ You truly were an amazing person inside and out. Taking some time to spend with family and friends. I appreciate all the support and messages and I will get back to everyone shortly.”
Avon and Somerset police said a man and both, both aged in their 20s, were arrested on suspicion of being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control causing injury resulting in death and possession of a prohibited breed of dog on Wednesday. They have since been released on conditional police bail as enquiries continue.
Anyone with any information that can help police with their investigation has been asked to call 101 and give the call handler the reference number 5225051097, or complete our online appeals form. You can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100 per cent anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their Anonymous Online Form.