A nine-month-old baby boy has tragically lost his life after being attacked by an XL Bully dog while staying at his father's home, according to details revealed during an inquest hearing.
The Tragic Incident Details
Jonte William Bluck, who was just nine months old, suffered massive head injuries that proved fatal after the family pet turned on him during a weekend stay at his father's residence. The incident occurred on November 2, 2025 at builder Jarrod Bluck's home in Rogiet, Gwent.
The inquest heard that the infant sustained severe head wounds and tragically passed away before reaching Grange University Hospital via ambulance. Area coroner Rose Farmer confirmed the heartbreaking details during the hearing held in Newport on November 17, 2025.
Investigation and Aftermath
Neighbors have suggested that the XL Bully dog might have been spooked by fireworks going off near the 30-year-old father's home in the run-up to Bonfire Night. The provisional cause of death was officially recorded as a compressive head injury, consistent with a dog bite.
Following the tragedy, law enforcement authorities took swift action. A man in his 30s and a woman in her 20s from Rogiet were arrested on suspicion of being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control causing injury resulting in death. Both individuals also faced arrests on suspicion of child neglect before being released on police bail as investigations continue.
Legal Status of the Dog
The dog involved in this devastating incident was identified as a six-year-old XL Bully that had been properly registered with the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra). Official records confirm that a certificate of exemption had been issued for the animal in 2024, making it a legally-owned black male XL Bully at the time of the attack.
The family pet was subsequently seized by authorities and has since been put down. The inquest has been formally opened with authorities stating there is reason to suspect the infant died as a direct result of the dog bite. The proceedings have been adjourned until August next year while further investigations continue.
