Two charged in Caerphilly dog attack enquiry

Officers were called to an address in Penyrhoel where a 10-year-old boy was later confirmed as dead by paramedics from the Welsh Ambulance Service.

Gwent Police were called to an address in Pentwyn, Penyrhoel, Caerphilly at around 3.55pm on Monday 8 November, following reports of a dog attack.

Officers attended, including specially-trained firearms officers, alongside paramedics from the Welsh Ambulance Service, who confirmed that Jack Lis, a 10-year-old boy, had died at the scene.

A 28-year-old woman and a 19-year-old man, both from the Caerphilly area, were arrested on suspicion of being in the charge of a dog dangerously out of control causing injury resulting in death.

Both have now been charged with these offences, released on bail, and are due to appear at Newport Magistrates Court on 7 April, 2022.

The 19-year-old man has also been charged with a further five offences between the dates of 4 – 7 November 2021:

· owner / person in charge of dog dangerously out of control causing injury x 2

· owner / person in charge of a dog dangerously out of control – no injury x 3

Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Mark Hobrough said:

“The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has authorised charges for two people who were previously arrested on suspicion of the offence of being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control causing injury resulting in death.

“The CPS reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings are active and all the defendants have a right to a fair trial.

“It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.

“This development does not also mean that our investigation has concluded; it is still active, and we will speak any other person of interest as our enquiries into this matter continue.

“Since we started this investigation in November, there has been significant interest about this in our communities.

“It is vital that people continue to think about how their social media comments or posts could impact an ongoing investigation, and Jack’s grieving family.

“Once again, my condolences and thoughts are with Jack’s family, friends, school friends and everyone affected by this within the community.”

A man from the Mountain Ash area, now aged 35, attended voluntarily in relation to an offence of being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control causing injury resulting in death. He was later released.

Two men from the Caerphilly area, both aged 18, were arrested on suspicion of being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control causing injury resulting in death. Both were released without charge.

Enquires are continuing and anyone with information is asked to call Gwent Police on 101, quoting log reference 2100392510 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111.