Heatwave Blamed for XL Bully Attack on Reality Star
Former Big Brother contestant Aisleyne Horgan Wallace has revealed she was bitten by an XL Bully dog, leaving her 'scarred for life'. The 47-year-old, who appeared in the seventh series of the Channel 4 show, now blames the recent heatwave for the attack, warning fans to 'take heed' as it is 'really dangerous'.
Details of the Incident
Aisleyne shared her ordeal on social media, posting a photo with the XL Bully moments before the attack. She wrote: 'The few mins before he bit me. Everyone knows I'm a dog mummy. I love dogs. This dog loved me, then for a split second for no reason he didn't… Please please please understand how to raise and how these babies can switch. I'm in agony and scarred for life.'
She was rushed to A&E for treatment, posting a photo beside her friend and stating: 'I've been bitten by an XL BULLY!!!!! You can see my f bone thank GOD for my girl.' She later clarified the injury 'wasn't to her neck or face' and stressed the importance of safety around big dogs.
Response from Followers
After sharing her story, Aisleyne responded to a follower who said: 'My friend's daughter was killed about 10 weeks ago by their loving family dog. A whippet. He got her neck and that was it. Wishing you a speedy recovery.' Aisleyne replied: 'This is devastating. It's not always about the breed... I think this heat is really dangerous please take heed. I'm so lucky in this instance... I pray this family can heal.'
Rising Dog Attack Statistics
Despite the UK ban on XL Bullies, which came into force in February 2024, dog attacks causing injury have continued to rise. Figures obtained by the Daily Mirror show offences of out-of-control dog attacks causing injury recorded by police have risen from 16,040 in 2020 to 29,400 last year – an increase of 83%. London saw the highest number of dog attacks in 2025, with the Metropolitan Police recording 2,530 cases, followed by Greater Manchester Police with 1,678 attacks.
Legal Requirements for XL Bully Owners
Anyone that owns an XL Bully in the UK must have a valid Certificate of Exemption, which permits keeping a dog that is otherwise prohibited under UK law, provided certain criteria are met. The certificates were introduced after the ban came into effect for England and Wales.
Recent Tragic Dog Attack
In April this year, a three-month-old girl, Maggie-May Ann Moody, died after being bitten by a dog in Dormanstown, near Redcar, Cleveland. Armed police attended and shot a dog at the property, with another being put down later.
Aisleyne concluded her posts by urging caution: 'Dogs are pack animals they need you to be their leader. It makes them feel safe to know you are in control. If you let them do mad behaviour they will eventually execute that. Big dogs are so powerful… protect your kids it ain't a joke.'
