The fatal dog attack that claimed the life of 52-year-old Ian Price in September 2023 shocked a quiet Staffordshire community and raised urgent questions about responsible dog ownership, control measures, and the consequences of neglecting powerful animals. The incident unfolded in broad daylight outside the victim’s home, witnessed by neighbours and his wife, and involved two XL bully dogs that had repeatedly escaped their owner’s property.
Nearly a year and a half later, the courts delivered a decisive response, sentencing owner James Harrison Trimble-Pettitt to five years in prison for offences linked directly to the fatal mauling. The case brought into focus the living conditions of the animals, prior warnings about their behaviour, and the chain of events that culminated in what the presiding judge described as an appalling act of savagery.
The attack occurred in the village of Stonnall, a residential area not typically associated with violent incidents of this kind. Evidence presented in court revealed that the dogs had a documented history of escaping their home and behaving aggressively toward people and other animals.
Investigators also uncovered troubling details about the environment in which they were kept. The sentencing decision, handed down at Stafford Crown Court, reflected both the severity of the attack and the long-standing failures in supervision and control that preceded it. The case has since become a reference point in discussions about dangerous dogs, legal accountability, and the responsibilities of owners who keep large and powerful breeds.
The Fatal Attack in Stonnall
On the day of the incident, Ian Price was walking his own dogs when he encountered a champagne-coloured female XL bully roaming freely in the street. According to prosecutors, he attempted to guide or “shepherd” the animal back toward the property it had escaped from, an action that witnesses later described as an effort to prevent harm or disorder. At that time, the dog’s owner had already left for work, and the front gate of the property had been left open.
The situation escalated rapidly when a second XL bully, a white male, emerged from the house after managing to open the porch door. Witness accounts presented in court described the second dog as approaching in a boisterous and aggressive manner. Within moments, both animals launched a sustained attack on Mr Price. The violence of the assault drew immediate attention from neighbours and passers-by, who attempted to intervene using whatever was available, including vehicles and wheelie bins, in an effort to force the dogs away.
Despite these efforts, the attack continued with extreme intensity. Mr Price’s wife later told police the animals were “absolutely ravaging” her husband, a description that captured the ferocity and prolonged nature of the mauling. Emergency services were called, and he was transported to hospital in critical condition. Medical professionals treated him for severe blood loss and traumatic injuries, but he suffered cardiac arrest and died later that evening.
The attack left an indelible mark on the community. Witnesses described scenes of panic and desperation as multiple people struggled to restrain the animals. One of the dogs died during attempts to control it, while the other was later euthanised by a veterinarian at the owner’s residence. The physical aftermath of the attack, combined with the emotional trauma experienced by family members and neighbours, underscored the devastating impact of the incident.
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Police investigators from Staffordshire Police began examining not only the immediate circumstances of the attack but also the broader context of how the dogs were kept, managed, and allowed to escape repeatedly without effective intervention.
Investigation and Court Proceedings
The investigation revealed that the fatal attack was not an isolated or unforeseeable event. Prosecutors established that the dogs had previously escaped from the property on multiple occasions, often through open windows or unlocked doors. There had also been earlier incidents involving aggression toward people and pets. These events formed a pattern of behaviour that authorities argued should have prompted decisive preventive measures.
The court heard that the owner had pleaded guilty to two counts of being in charge of dogs that were dangerously out of control and caused death. This plea acknowledged both responsibility for the animals and the consequences of failing to contain them effectively. During sentencing, the judge emphasised the seriousness of the offence and the preventable nature of the tragedy, describing the attack as a direct outcome of sustained mismanagement.
Testimony from prosecution counsel outlined what was characterised as a complete unwillingness by the defendant to accept responsibility for the actions of the dogs prior to the fatal incident. Evidence suggested that repeated warnings and opportunities to improve control measures were not adequately acted upon. This failure to address known risks played a central role in determining the severity of the sentence.
The court also imposed an indefinite ban on the defendant keeping dogs in the future. This measure reflected judicial concern not only about past negligence but also about the potential for future harm if similar circumstances were allowed to arise again. The decision was intended to provide a long-term safeguard against further incidents involving dangerous animals under inadequate supervision.
During proceedings, a victim impact statement delivered by Mr Price’s wife described the profound personal consequences of the loss. She spoke of the emotional devastation and the abrupt destruction of future plans and expectations, conveying the human cost behind the legal process. While sentencing focused on legal accountability, the testimony highlighted the enduring impact on those directly affected by the attack.
Conditions, Behavioural Factors and Legal Consequences
A significant portion of the court’s examination focused on the conditions in which the dogs were kept. Expert testimony presented by the prosecution described an environment lacking basic forms of enrichment and comfort. Investigators found no toys, blankets, or dog beds, and evidence suggested the animals experienced long periods of boredom and isolation. The property showed signs of damage from chewing and scratching, indicating persistent stress or frustration.
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Large quantities of dog faeces were discovered in the front garden, and overall living conditions were described as poor. The expert assessment concluded that the animals were likely experiencing a combination of frustration, separation distress, and lack of stimulation. These factors, when combined with their physical strength and breed characteristics, were considered to have significantly heightened the risk of aggressive behaviour.
The expert attributed the fatal attack to a convergence of genetic, behavioural, and environmental influences. Breed predispositions alone were not presented as the sole cause; rather, the emphasis was placed on the interaction between the dogs’ inherent traits and the way they were managed. Poor supervision, inadequate containment, and a lack of structured care were all identified as contributing elements.
The sentencing outcome reflected these findings. The court determined that the owner’s failure to provide proper management created conditions in which a serious incident became increasingly likely. The five-year prison sentence and lifetime prohibition on dog ownership were intended both as punishment and as recognition of the preventable factors that led to the death.
The case also drew broader attention to regulatory and enforcement challenges associated with large and powerful dog breeds. Authorities highlighted the importance of secure containment, consistent supervision, and responsible management practices. While the legal focus remained on individual accountability, the circumstances surrounding the attack illustrated how repeated lapses in control can escalate into catastrophic consequences.
Following sentencing, the defendant was remanded to begin serving his custodial term. The ruling brought formal closure to the criminal proceedings, but the case continues to be cited in discussions about public safety, dangerous dog legislation, and the standards expected of those who keep powerful animals in residential communities.