A 24-year-old woman has appeared in court in connection with the death of her teenage cousin, who was fatally mauled by an XL bully dog. Kelcie Reed faced Bristol Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, charged with being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control, causing injury resulting in death.
Incident Details
The charge stems from an incident on February 26 last year, when the dog, an XL bully named Prince, attacked Morgan Dorsett, 19, inside a flat at Cobhorn Drive in Withywood, Bristol. Ms Dorsett suffered fatal bites to her neck and died at the scene. The dog was subsequently euthanized.
Court Proceedings
During the hearing, District Judge Lynne Matthews read the charge to Reed, who wept as it was presented. She did not enter a plea, and the case was adjourned to Bristol Crown Court. The judge imposed conditional bail, stipulating that Reed must not own or be in control of any dog under any circumstances. She is required to appear at Bristol Crown Court on May 27.
The case has drawn attention to the dangers posed by XL bully dogs, which have been subject to increased regulation in the UK following a series of attacks. The family of Morgan Dorsett has expressed their grief, with a spokesperson stating, “Morgan was a beloved daughter, sister, and cousin. Her loss has left a void that can never be filled.”
Reed, of Bristol, will next appear in court on May 27 for the commencement of crown court proceedings.
