Overview

• North Yorkshire’s senior coroner recorded a narrative conclusion that Savannah Bentham died on November 1, 2024 from injuries caused by the family dog.
• Her mother returned to the static caravan after seeking help with a faulty gas canister and found Savannah in a foetal position and the dog covered in blood, as bystanders and paramedics attempted CPR.
• A pathologist determined the cause of death was neck injuries, and investigators said there were no witnesses to the attack inside the caravan.
• A post-mortem on the XL bully, Biggie, found no physical or pathological explanation for a sudden burst of aggression; the dog was later euthanised.
• Police and the court heard the family held a Certificate of Exemption and had complied with requirements including microchipping, neutering and muzzling in public, with no requirement to muzzle at home.