Inquest into death of baby killed in XL bully attack in Monmouthshire opens

The provisional cause of death of a nine-month-old baby has been given at an inquest following an XL bully attack in southeast Wales.

The opening of the inquest into Jonte William Bluck's death heard he was bitten by a family dog while staying at his father's home in Crossway, Rogiet, Monmouthshire, on 2 November.

A provisional cause of death was given as a compressive head injury, consistent with a dog bite.

Area coroner Rose Farmer said: "Jonte William Bluck sadly passed away on the 2nd of November 2025 at his home address.

"The brief circumstances are that on the 2nd of November he was staying at the home of his father when he was bitten by the family dog.

"He was conveyed to the Grange University Hospital but died prior to arrival.

"An inquest has been opened as there is reason to suspect that he died as a result of a dog bite."

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The dog involved in the incident was a six-year-old XL bully, which was registered with the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) and a certificate of exemption was issued in 2024.

It was put down following the incident.

The inquest into the baby's death was opened at Gwent Coroner's Court on Monday but adjourned until 4 August next year, while police inquiries continue.

Following the baby's death, a man in his 30s and a woman in her 20s from Rogiet were arrested on suspicion of being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control, causing injury resulting in death.

Both were also arrested on suspicion of child neglect. They were later released on police bail as inquiries continue.

(c) Sky News 2025: Inquest into death of baby killed in XL bully attack in Monmouthshire opens