Leeds dog attack mum ‘bitten many times’, coroner told

Mother-of-four Emma Bennett, 27, suffered fatal injuries in an attack by at least one of a pair of dogs – thought to be American pit bulls – at her home on Dawlish Avenue, East End Park, Leeds, on Monday December 9.

An inquest opening at Wakefield was told Miss Bennett was taken to Leeds General Infirmary, where she died from her injuries at 4.30pm on Tuesday December 10.

West Yorkshire Coroner David Hinchliff said: “Her death was referred in relation to an incident at her home address involving two dogs. I believe the two dogs were of the pit bull terrier type.”

The inquest opening was told Home Office pathologist Dr Richard Sheppard carried out a post mortem on Miss Bennett.

Mr Hinchliff said: “Dr Sheppard has provided a provisional report in which he states the cause of death is shock and haemorrhage caused by multiple dog bites.

“I will adjourn this inquest pending the outcome of further enquiries and a detailed report from West Yorkshire Police.”

Miss Bennett, who was single and unemployed, lived with her partner at the house on Dawlish Avenue.

Miss Bennett was expecting her fifth child at the time of the attack.

Her boyfriend posted a message on Facebook saying “RIP Emma and our bump”, adding that she would “always be in my heart and on my mind to the day we meet again”.

In a statement, Miss Bennett’s family said: “We are all devastated at Emma’s death.”

A 33-year-old man who was arrested under the Dangerous Dogs Act following Miss Bennett’s death was later released and remains on police bail.