Police have launched an urgent investigation after attackers killed an XL Bully and left its owner for dead.
Officers were called to Eric Hendrie Park, Aberdeen, around 8.30pm on Sunday following reports of a ‘disturbance’.
As they arrived at the scene, they saw a vehicle parked in the park and what officers are calling an ‘incident’ which resulted in the death of the victim’s dog.
Paramedics rushed the owner of the dog, a 51-year-old man, to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, where medical staff said his condition was serious but stable.
On Monday, a police cordon had been set up around the park as officers continued their investigation.
According to Detective Sergeant Emma Low, the investigation is still at an early stage and she appealed for anyone with information, as well as any witnesses, to come forward.
‘Any witnesses or anyone with information is asked to contact officers through 101 quoting incident number 3236 of July 27. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.’
Police cordon at Eric Hendrie Park, Aberdeen,on Monday following a man being rushed to hospital
As police arrived at the scene they saw a vehicle parked in the park and what officers are calling an ‘incident’ which resulted in the death of the victim’s XL Bully. Pictured: Stock image
The full police statement said: ‘Detectives are appealing for information following the attempted murder of a 51-year-old man in Eric Hendrie Park, Deveron Road, Aberdeen on Sunday, 27 July, 2025.
‘Around 8.30pm, officers were called to a report of a vehicle within the park and a disturbance taking place.
‘Officers attended and enquiries are ongoing in the area to trace everyone involved.
‘A 51-year-old man attended Aberdeen Royal Infirmary following this incident. Hospital staff describe his condition as serious but stable.
‘His XL Bully dog died as a result of the disturbance.’
In February last year, it became illegal to breed, sell, give away or allow an American Bully XL to stray.
Anyone owning one should have a certificate of exemption, which means they must have the dog microchipped and neutered, as well as have third-party public liability insurance
Owners are also not allowed to walk the dog in public without a lead or a muzzle.
The animals must also be housed securely so as to stop them from escaping.
The ban was brought in last year after a spate of horror dog attacks, with police forces across the country seeing a surge in the number of attacks.
