Woman has hand 'chewed off' by rescued XL Bullies in 'vicious' attack in Leith

A woman from Leith has described how her hand was chewed off when she was attacked by her two “loyal” XL Bully dogs at home.

Emergency services were called to a property on Academy Street around 9.15am on Thursday, May 16, following reports of the incident involving the animals.

The 26-year-old woman was found seriously injured and was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh by ambulance for emergency treatment.

Writing on social media, she said she wanted to tell “the truth” and revealed she rescued the dogs, Storm and Cee, at the beginning of 2024 when Scotland was set to impose a ban on the breed.

She described the animals as “beautiful, loving and loyal dogs” but said the attack, which left her with a detached hand, was “vicious and out of the blue”.

Addressing her social media followers, she said: “No, I’ve not lost an arm and a leg. My hand was detached completely, yes, but thankfully after hours they’ve managed to reattach my hand. But I’ve still got a long road.

“It was vicious, I’ve had to have plastic surgery to reattach my hand, skin grafts, intensive care and I’m STILL in the hospital trying to recover the best way to get home to my family.

“I’m okay, still got a long way to recover and to be honest I think I’m still in shock.

“Nothings been easy but I’ve got the best partner, who’s mum is amazing. My kids are happy seeing mum happy again.”

The woman confirmed the two dogs involved were euthanised on Friday, May 17.

“My dogs where never abused or starved, storm was 57kg, Cee was 48kg,” she said,

“All dogs fed twice a day. Imagine having over 100kg ripping you apart, thinking I’m going to die”, she added.

“My two bullies where the most beautiful, loving and loyal dogs and what happened was out the blue and I couldn’t be more devastated about losing them like this, but I’m lucky to be alive.”

A spokesperson for Police Scotland confirmed investigations into the incident are ongoing.