Brandon Hayden
Being the owner of a dog dangerously out of control causing death *
Sentence
4 years and 6 months imprisonment
Brandon Hayden, 19, of Penyrheol, Caerphilly, became the owner of the 100lb American Bully or XL Bully dog called Beast on November 3, 2021, after answering a Facebook advert offering it free to a good home, knowing it had issues with other dogs. He asked Amy Salter to look after the dog for a short period. Between November 4 and 7, 2023, the dog was aggressive, lunging at people including children outside the village shop Top Stores on Heol Aneurin, biting at least two people (Michael Ball and Sian Sullivan, who was injured on November 7), and attacking a neighbour's dog on November 5. On November 8, 2023, the unrestrained dog mauled 10-year-old Jack Lis to death while he was playing at a friend's house in Pentwyn, Penyrheol, Caerphilly, after school. Hayden arrived at the scene but failed to open the door and left as police arrived. The dog was later shot dead by armed police.
Pleaded guilty to being the owner of the dog that killed Jack Lis, and admitted a further five offences of owning a dog dangerously out of control between November 4 and 7, 2023. Banned indefinitely from owning a dog. Judge Michael Fitton QC noted the impact of his actions, irresponsibility, and thoughtlessness.