Couple are sent to prison over tragic death of boy, 10, mauled by Bully dog called Beast

A MAN and woman have been jailed after a 10-year-old boy was killed by a dog in a “tragic and needless event”.

Jack Lis was mauled to death by an American Bully or XL Bully dog called Beast while playing at a friend’s house in Pentwyn, Penyrheol, Caerphilly, South Wales, after school on November 8 last year.

Amy Salter, 29, and Brandon Hayden, 19, were arrested and charged following the youngster’s death and appeared at Cardiff Crown Court to be sentenced.

Salter previously admitted being a person in charge of a dog dangerously out of control, causing injury resulting in Jack’s death.

Hayden pleaded guilty to being the owner of the dog that killed Jack and admitted a further five offences of owning a dog dangerously out of control between November 4 and 7 last year.

The court heard Hayden, of Penyrheol, became the owner of the 100lb dog on November 3 2021 after answering an advert on Facebook offering it free to a good home, stating that it had issues with other dogs.

Hayden asked Salter, of Trethomas, Caerphilly, if she could look after the dog for a short period. In the days that followed, Beast was aggressive, jumping up at people and biting at least two – Michael Ball and Sian Sullivan.

Ms Sullivan was injured by the dog on November 7, the day before Jack was attacked.

Footage played to the court showed Hayden with Beast outside the village shop, Top Stores.

Hayden is seen on a number of occasions on November 4 struggling to control the dog as it lunged towards people walking to and from the shop, including nearby children.

Salter could be seen to be present during some of the incidents, including while the dog was barking viciously and pulling towards a young girl, who looked fearful and retreated behind a car.

Judge Fitton said Jack’s death was a “tragic and needless event”.

Hayden was sentenced to four years and six months while Salter was given a three-year prison term. Both were banned from owning a dog.

Ryan Randall, of the CPS, said: “Our thoughts remain with Jack, along with his family and friends, who have suffered a heartwrenching loss.”