‘I was attacked by an American bully XL dog in Birmingham as I went shopping with my sister’

The 11-year-old girl who was attacked by the crazed dog in Bordesley Green in Birmingham described today (Monday, September 11) how she was left screaming in pain when the animal pounced.

Speaking from her home near the scene, Ana Paun also said she backed Suella Braverman’s calls to ban American Bully XL dogs. She revealed how the dog clamped its jaws around her arm and then her shoulder as she went shopping with her sister.

Ana said: "At the time I just felt panic. I went to the shop with my sister. The dog was staring at me. He jumped on my arm and bit me. It was so scary. I was screaming. He let my arm go and then bit my shoulder. I feel a bit better now. I went with the ambulance. I want him [the dog] to go away, to die.

"I think all of the dogs, the bull dogs, all of them should be banned. The owner should be in prison because he never did anything, he just let the dog bite everyone."

Her mum, who wished to remain unnamed, added: "She’s fine. She’s been to hospital but she’s fine, recovering now. I’m thanking to God she is alive."

Two men were also injured by the dog as it ran across a garage forecourt. A 20 year-old man was taken to hospital with bites to his shoulder and forearm, along with cuts and bruises from being dragged across the floor. Another man also suffered injuries and presented himself at hospital for treatment.

The dog was seized by officers and taken to a vet suffering from heat exhaustion. He has now been taken into secure kennels and WMP dog unit will consider what will happen to it. The dog’s owner is currently in hospital and police will be speaking to him in due course.

A West Midlands Police spokesperson said: “We wish them a speedy recovery. This was an alarming and shocking incident on a busy road in high temperatures and members of the public showed immense courage in tackling such a ferocious dog. We are taking statements from the victims and witnesses, and will have increased patrols in the area for anyone who would like to speak to us.”