A resident of a Huntingdonshire village has spoken of how an American XL bully "traumatised” a community after it attacked dog walkers over the summer. 

Resident A has agreed to share what happened in Offord Cluny, near Buckden, but asked not to be identified.  

They claim to be aware of three separate attacks.  

One occasion led to a person requiring hospital treatment for their injuries and police were called to another and seized the animal. 

Cambridgeshire Police have confirmed officers “were called to reports of an XL bully not under control” in the village on August 28 last year.  

No injuries were reported.  

A police spokesperson said: “A 50-year-old woman was given a conditional caution as the owner/person in charge of a dog dangerously out of control.” 

Resident A now understands the dog has been returned to its owner and has shared their concerns as the new laws on American XL bullys are introduced.  

Resident A said: “We’ve heard the dog now lives in a different village, but the community is still traumatised about what happened.  

“These were very scary attacks where the dog was escaping from the house when the owners opened their front door.  

“This dog could have easily gone for a child. People now won’t walk past the house or use the area in case it’s there.  

“The fact it is back in the community is terrifying news."  

Jonathan Djanogly, MP for Huntingdon, says he has been made aware of the situation and is awaiting further information. 

New rules for owning American XL bully dogs are being introduced in England and Wales under the Dangerous Dogs Act.  

It is now against the law to sell, give away, abandon or breed an XL bully. They must also be kept on a lead and muzzled in public.  

From February 1 it will be illegal to own one without an exemption certificate. 

There has been widespread opposition to the changes, including from the RSPCA.