**Man Left Traumatised After XL Bully Dog Attacks as He Slept, Ripping Off His Ear**
Residents of Swindon have been left shocked after a local volunteer suffered life-altering injuries during a violent attack by an XL Bully dog, a breed which was recently outlawed in England and Wales. The incident, which unfolded in late April, has reignited debate about dangerous dogs and the effectiveness of new legislation aimed at curbing such attacks.
Darren Shuttleworth-Long, aged 52, was providing care for the banned breed in his home when the ordeal occurred. He recounted falling asleep beside the dog, unaware of the upcoming danger. Upon awakening, Mr Shuttleworth-Long found the animal’s jaws tightly gripping his side, marking the beginning of a harrowing ten-minute struggle.
Despite his attempts to free himself, the XL Bully launched further attacks. In the chaos, Mr Shuttleworth-Long sustained severe injuries, including the complete loss of his right ear. Describing his desperate efforts to escape, he detailed how he managed to move the dog initially, only for it to return aggressively, ultimately locking him in the room with the animal. He likened the distressing scene to a “horror movie”, with blood covering his face and half his nose left dangling.
Neighbours responded quickly to calls for help, and Mr Shuttleworth-Long was rushed to Southmead Hospital in Bristol. He spent three days in intensive care, where medical staff did what they could to stem the bleeding and treat the extensive wounds to his ear and face. Tragically, surgeons were unable to reattach his ear, leaving him facing ongoing medical procedures and an uncertain road to recovery.
In the aftermath, Mr Shuttleworth-Long spoke about the emotional toll the attack has had on him. Once comfortable around dogs, he now finds himself overcome with fear at the sound of barking, and struggles to venture outdoors. The psychological scars, he admitted, may outlast the physical injuries, saying, “It’s a long lasting stress that will be there for the rest of my life now.”
Wiltshire Police have acknowledged the seriousness of the incident and subsequently arrested a 24-year-old woman on suspicion of failing to control a dangerous dog, resulting in serious injury. She has since been released on bail as investigations continue. The incident is being viewed within the context of changes to UK law regarding XL Bully dogs, which as of February 2024 must not be owned without an exemption certificate, and must be neutered and microchipped.
This attack highlights ongoing concerns about the safety of certain breeds and the responsibilities of owners, even as stricter regulations have been implemented. Critics of the law argue that enforcement remains inconsistent and that dangerous incidents may persist unless more comprehensive measures are introduced. Others stress the importance of thorough checks and proper socialisation of all dogs, regardless of breed.
For Mr Shuttleworth-Long, the focus is on recovery. He now awaits further surgery, as doctors are monitoring the healing of the remaining tissue in preparation for possible reconstructive work. In the meantime, his case serves as a vivid example of the potential consequences of dangerous dogs kept in homes, especially in defiance of legal bans.
As the community rallies around Mr Shuttleworth-Long, concerns continue to mount over how best to prevent similar tragedies in the future. With the number of reported dangerous dog attacks rising in recent years, authorities may now face increased pressure to review current policies and ensure greater public protection.
The attack has become a sobering reminder of the risks posed by certain breeds—and the physical and emotional impact such incidents can leave on victims and their families. The investigation continues, with police urging anyone with further information to come forward.