Woman Given Suspended Sentence After XL Bully Dog Killed Cousin

Kelcie Reed, 24, of Bristol, has been given a suspended prison sentence after her XL bully dog killed her 19 year old cousin, Morgan Dorsett. At Bristol Crown Court, Judge Anna Richardson sentenced Reed to 18 weeks in prison, suspended for 18 months, and ordered her to undergo mental health treatment. Reed had previously pleaded guilty to being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control, causing injury resulting in death.

The attack occurred in February 2025 at a flat on Cobhorn Drive in Bristol. Morgan Dorsett, who was from Shrewsbury, died from bites to her neck and face. The dog, named Prince, was sedated at the scene and later humanely destroyed. During the proceedings, the judge noted that a post mortem examination revealed cocaine in the victim's system, which caused her to act erratically and scream, triggering the dog to attack. The court also heard that Reed suffered cuts and bruises while attempting to stop the attack.

In victim impact statements, Morgan's mother, Marie Smith, and sister, Caeila Dorsett, described the profound loss and the lasting shadow the death has cast over their family. Caeila Dorsett stated that she feels Reed has not shown remorse or compassion in the 18 months since the incident. The family is now working with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to address loopholes in legislation regarding banned dog breeds, specifically concerning dogs living with people other than the exemption certificate holder.

While both reports focus on the legal outcome, they differ in their broader context. The center leaning report emphasizes the personal tragedy and the family's push for legislative change. The center left leaning report places the event within a wider public safety context, noting that XL bullies are banned in the UK and citing figures that show at least 23,000 reported dog attacks in the year since the ban began.