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For Yasmin Begum, a standard afternoon on Wrexham High Street turned into a harrowing ordeal of terror and humiliation when she was targeted by a dangerously out-of-control XL Bully. The horrifying incident, which occurred in broad daylight, has left the Desi Muslim mother deeply traumatised after the powerful animal not only dragged her but ripped the hijab from her head in front of her frightened children, Daily Dazzling Dawn realized.
The attack, which took place on August 31 last year, highlights the devastating impact of irresponsible dog ownership on community safety, particularly for vulnerable women. While the physical injuries included teeth marks on her forehead, the psychological scars and the violation of her religious dignity have proven far longer-lasting.
Ms Begum, whose surname is common within the British desi community, was standing on the High Street at 2:36 pm when she noticed 45-year-old Tomasz Wegner approaching with the animal. Acting on an instinct of self-preservation, she attempted to move away, sensing the danger posed by the large dog. Prosecutor Laura Knightly told the court that Ms Begum was scared and ran into a nearby doorway to hide and escape the animal’s path.
However, rather than restraining his pet, Wegner followed her. The court heard that he shouted aggressively at the terrified mother while she cowered in the doorway. It was then that the dog lunged, grabbing and dragging Ms Begum. In a moment of sheer horror, the animal tore the hijab from her head and attempted to bite her face, leaving teeth marks on her forehead. While the skin was not pierced, the removal of her hijab—a symbol of her faith and modesty—added a layer of deep distress to the physical assault.
The traumatic nature of the event was compounded by the presence of Ms Begum’s son and daughter, who were forced to witness the aggression of both the dog and its owner. In her victim impact statement, Ms Begum expressed that she was highly concerned for her personal safety and that of her children, noting that Wegner had shouted abuse at her without provocation. She stated that his actions directly caused her to be set upon by the dog, leaving her feeling unsafe in her own community.
Witnesses at the scene described a chaotic situation. One bystander believed Wegner appeared intoxicated as he seemed to fall on top of the victim during the struggle. It took the intervention of a brave member of the public, who heard Ms Begum’s screams, to bring the situation under control. This good Samaritan stepped in to reattach the dog's muzzle and held its metal chain until North Wales Police arrived.
The incident occurred against the backdrop of strict new legislation regarding XL Bully dogs. Following a spate of fatal and serious attacks across the UK, owning an XL Bully in England and Wales has been illegal without a specific exemption certificate since February 1, 2024. The law mandates that existing owners must keep these dogs muzzled and on a lead in public at all times, underscoring the severity of Wegner’s failure to control the animal.
Appearing at Mold Crown Court on Tuesday, Wegner, of Glaslyn, Plas Madoc, Acrefair, pleaded guilty to owning a dog dangerously out of control and possessing a fighting dog. Although he initially denied the dog was an XL Bully—claiming it was a Cane Corso and that it was merely "friendly" and wanting to "greet" the victim—he later admitted the breed.
Judge His Honour Simon Mills took a firm stance, noting that because Wegner admitted the dog was a restricted XL Bully, the law did not allow for the animal to be returned to him. A destruction order was issued for the dog, which has racked up kennelling costs of nearly £9,500 since the incident.
Wegner avoided an immediate custodial sentence. The judge handed down a 15-month jail term suspended for two years and disqualified him from keeping a dog for two years. The defence argued that Wegner had "got a handle" on his alcoholism, yet the court’s decision reflects the serious risk posed to the public.
For Ms Begum and her family, the suspended sentence marks the end of the legal proceedings, but the memory of the aggression and the violation of her cultural identity on a public high street remains a heavy burden to bear.
What is the XL Bully Ban?
As of February 1, 2024, it is a criminal offence to own an XL Bully dog in England and Wales unless the owner has a valid Certificate of Exemption. To keep such a dog legally, owners must ensure the animal is microchipped, neutered, kept on a lead and muzzled at all times in public places, and covered by third-party liability insurance.
