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Dog which killed toddler Bella-Rae Birch was not banned breed, tests confirm
The family had bought the dog just one week ago
The dog which mauled and killed seventeen-month-old Bella-Rae Birch at her home in St Helens was not a banned breed, Merseyside Police have confirmed.
In a statement, the police said tests had confirmed the dog involved was an American Bully XL, which is a legal breed under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991. It has since been humanely destroyed.
Bella-Rae’s family – who are being supported by specialist officers – had only bought the dog a week before her death.
The police said Bella-Rae had lost her life in the most ‘unimaginably terrible circumstances’.
Emergency services were called out to Bidston Avenue in Blackbrook at around 3.50pm on Monday, March 21st.
Bella-Rae was rushed to the hospital, where she later died of her injuries.
The toddler’s mother has since paid tribute to her ‘gorgeous blue-eyed girl’ in a fundraiser to help pay for ‘the most beautiful’ send off.
On the GoFundMe page, Bella Rae’s mum Treysharn Bates wrote: “On the 21st of March we sadly lost our gorgeous blue-eyed baby girl.
GoFundMe
“We are now in a position where we need to raise funds towards the most beautiful send off. Every little will help, every little is appreciated. Thank you everyone”
The police say they are still looking for witnesses and information about the incident.