Man Charged After Fatal Dog Attack in Sunderland

Christopher Bell, 45, has been charged with being in charge of a dangerously out of control dog resulting in the death of his neighbor, Ian Langley, 54, who was killed while walking his puppy in Shiney Row, Sunderland, on October 3, 2022. The dog involved in the attack, named Titan, was an XL Bully, and police had to shoot it at the scene to ensure public safety. Bell appeared at South Tyneside Magistrates' Court but did not enter a plea; he has been granted unconditional bail and is set to appear at Newcastle Crown Court on November 18. The prosecution emphasized the tragic nature of the incident, stating that the severity warranted a crown court hearing. Langley, originally from Liverpool, suffered severe neck injuries during the attack and weighed just eight stone. This case has raised significant concerns regarding dog ownership and public safety.