‘Lovely and funny’ gran, 65, ‘treated for dog bites’ one year before being mauled to death

A grandmother who was mauled to death by five American bulldogs in her home was reportedly treated in hospital for dog bites just a year ago.

“Lovely and funny” Ann Dunn, 65, died at a property in St Brigids Crescent, Vauxhall, Liverpool, on Monday evening after being mauled by "multiple" dogs.

Five American bulldogs were later taken from the property by Merseyside Police and "humanely destroyed".

According to the Liverpool Echo, Ms Dunn required hospital treatment in August last year after suffering a number of bites from a large dog, although her injuries on that occasion were not life-threatening.

It is unclear whether the dog that attacked her on that occasion was involved in her death.

Tributes have flooded in for Ms Dunn, who worked as a cleaner at Liverpool John Moores University.

A spokesperson for the university said: "The university community is absolutely shocked and devastated by this tragic loss and to lose Ann in this way is just heart-breaking.

"Ann was hard-working and dedicated and had so many friends across the organisation. It’s just awful and she will be terribly missed. Our thoughts at this time are with her family and loved-ones."

One neighbour, who asked not to be named, told the Mirror that Ann was “lovely, funny and a happy girl” who had “not long ago been on holiday with her daughter”.

A 31-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of being the owner of a dog dangerously out of control and has since been released on conditional bail pending further investigation.

A spokeswoman for Merseyside Police said the investigation team could not comment on whether the previous attack is part of their enquiries.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Merseyside Police or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 and quoting reference 22000731247.

American bulldogs are not among the four breeds of dog that are banned in the UK under the Dangerous Dogs Act.

The breeds that are illegal to own in the UK are:

• Pit bull terrier

• Japanese Tosa

• Dogo Argentino

• Fila Brasileiro

While the breeds themselves are banned, there are also activities associated with them that are illegal in the UK, including selling, abandoning or breeding them.

The maximum punishment for offenders could be up to six months in prison or an unlimited fine or both, while community orders can also be handed out, depending on the perceived risk factor to the public.