Aisleyne Horgan Wallace, the 47-year-old reality star who rose to fame on Big Brother in 2006, has been left permanently scarred after being attacked by an XL Bully dog. The incident, which she described as happening 'in a split second for no reason,' required urgent hospital treatment.
Attack details and hospital treatment
Sharing photos on her Instagram Stories on Sunday, Horgan Wallace showed a bandaged shoulder and wrote: 'I've been bitten by an XL Bully!!!!! You can see my bone thank god for my girl.' The attack occurred despite her describing herself as a dog lover and having posed with the same dog moments before.
She wrote: 'The few mins before he bit me... everyone knows I'm a dog mummy. I love dogs. This dog loved me... then in a split second for no reason he didn't.'
Warning to other dog owners
Urging caution, she said: 'Please please please understand how to raise and how these babies can switch. I'm in agony and scared for life now.' She added: 'Thankful it wasn't my neck or face. Sad I'm scarred for life. Glad it wasn't a child & it was me... So conflicted...'
She emphasised the need for strong leadership: 'Dogs are pack animals they need u to be their leader. It makes them feel safe to know you are in control. If u let them do mad behaviour they will eventually execute that... Dig dogs are so powerful. Protect your kids it ain't a joke.'
UK ban on XL Bully dogs
XL Bully dogs are banned in the UK. Under the legislation, it is a criminal offence to own an American XL Bully without a Certificate of Exemption. Exempted dogs must be neutered, microchipped, and securely muzzled and on a lead in public.
Following the introduction of the ban, an estimated 800 animals were destroyed by police in England and Wales within the first year. A further 400 were voluntarily put down through the government's compensation scheme, after certain owners chose not to pursue exemption certificates to continue keeping the animals.
