Owner of 8st dog dubbed THE BEAST that mauled boy, 10, to death ‘feared it would attack & tried to flog it days earlier’

THE owner of a hulking dog nicknamed the "Beast" tried to flog it just days before it mauled a ten-year-old boy to death while he visited a school pal.

Jack Lis was savaged by the eight-stone animal in Caerphilly, South Wales, on Monday afternoon.

He had walked to his friend's home from Cwm Ifor Primary School when the horror unfolded.

It has now emerged the dog's owner was trying to get rid of it on October 29 amid fears it would attack.

He wrote a plea on a bulldog Facebook page claiming the American pitbull-style animal was "great with people" but "unfortunately does not like other dogs".

The owner said: "I've tried my best with him, I have other dogs and can not put them at risk.

"He needs someone with time."

He accompanied the post with a picture of the huge dog baring its rippling muscles.

It is understood the owner then gave the animal away and had only been in its new home for a few days when it savaged Jack.

Locals have told how the Beast was "known to be trouble" and reportedly bit another man and killed a cat.

A resident also claimed the “massive” dog had “lunged” at their three-year-old son a few days ago.

The "very large, powerful" dog had to be shot seven times by armed cops as they swooped on the street on Monday.

Horrified residents revealed how the animal had "huge muscles" protruding from its shoulders as they saw it moments after Jack's death.

A dog legislation expert has now been brought in to examine it and see if it is an illegal breed.

No arrests have been made and police said they are speaking to the dog owner as part of their investigation.

BANNED DOG FEARS

Chief Superintendent Mark Hobrough said experts will "look at the character traits of the dog" to see if it is a banned breed.

He said: "We are looking at all potential offences and all potential actions that need to come as a result of this investigation.

"Gwent Police will deal very firmly with any people who commit an absolute offence of possession of a dangerous dog by breed that are absolutely prohibited to have in the UK, and there will be no exemptions for people in possession of such.

"This dog has been dealt with in the quickest possible opportunity, there are no outstanding threats in the area.

"I’m extremely grateful for the close support the community of Penyrheol and Caerphilly have given to each other at this highly emotive and traumatic time, and I’m really grateful for the support that’s been extended to the family in what is a truly horrendous incident."

SCREAMS

Jack's pal was heard neighbours screaming for help as the dog launched the ferocious attack.

Tracey Lawrence said: "The little boy that lives there ran over to the neighbour and said, ‘My dog has killed my friend’.

“My neighbour went and tried to push the door open but the dog had latched on to the boy’s leg.

"Everyone was out on the street crying.”

Kirk Wiegold battled to prise the American pitbull-type dog off the boy, but said it was “just too fierce”.

One of his relatives said: “He just wishes he could have done more but thinks it was too late.”

'SWEET BOY'

Tributes have now flooded in for Jack after he was named by police.

His mum Emma, 32, wrote on Facebook: "With so much heartbreak and before close friends and family see his name in the news, I have to announce our beautiful boy Jack was taken so tragically yesterday.

"It was not our dog nor did it happen at our family home. He was out to play. We need the speculation to stop. The police will issue this formally later.

"We love you so much our sweet sweet boy."

His headteacher described Jack as "bright, caring and popular" in a statement.

Gareth Rees said: “The whole school community has been rocked by the tragic events of the past 24 hours.

"Jack was a bright and caring pupil who was popular amongst his peers and the teaching staff at Cwm Ifor.

"Our thoughts are very much with his family at this difficult time and we now need time and space to heal together as a school community.