The family of a grandmother who died in a dog attack have expressed their anger over the conditions in which the dogs were kept. Esther Martin, 68, was fatally injured in a house in Jaywick, near Clacton-on-Sea, Essex. Ashley Warren, 39, was arrested on suspicion of dangerous dog offences and has been released on conditional police bail until March.
Esther Martin was visiting her grandson when the incident occurred. Her daughter, Sonia Martin, 47, claimed that the dogs were unregistered XL bully dogs and were kept in a small chalet. She questioned the suitability of such conditions for the animals.
Sonia Martin said that her mother was asked by the dogs’ owner to intervene with a broom when puppies began fighting. She believes this is when her mother was attacked. Warren was the partner of Esther Martin’s late daughter.
Sonia Martin thanked the neighbours who tried to help her mother during the attack. She expressed concern about what could have happened to her nephew if he hadn’t run out of the house for help.
While the family believes the dogs were banned XL bully dogs, police said it would take some time to confirm the breed. In England and Wales, XL bully dogs are banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.
Acting Det Supt Stuart Truss said they are making progress in their investigation into Esther’s death. Sonia Martin alleged that the dog’s owner had previously moved due to complaints about the dogs and that he is a rapper who used the dogs in music videos.
Essex Police said a number of puppies were safely removed from the address and have received veterinary care. The puppies will be part of their investigation.
Local MP Giles Watling expressed his horror at the incident. Councillor Dan Casey described it as a tragedy.
