Jonte William Bluck tragically died after being attacked by an XL bully dog in Rogiet village – an inquest into the infant’s death in South Wales was opened this morning
A baby savaged to death by an XL bully dog has been named as Jonte William Bluck. The nine-month-old boy was killed in the horror attack in Rogiet, Monmouthshire, South Wales at around 6pm on November 2.
Two people – a man in his 30s and a woman in her 20s – have been arrested on suspicion of being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control causing injury resulting in death and on suspicion of child neglect. An inquest today heard little Jonte was bitten by the family pet while staying at his father’s home in Crossway.
The inquest was opened at Gwent Coroner’s Court on Monday (November 17) but adjourned until August next year while police inquiries continue. Area coroner Rose Farmer said: “Jonte William Bluck sadly passed away on the 2nd of November 2025 at his home address.
“The brief circumstances are that on the 2nd of November he was staying at the home of his father when he was bitten by the family dog. He was conveyed to the Grange University Hospital but died prior to arrival.
“An inquest has been opened as there is reason to suspect that he died as a result of a dog bite.”
A provisional cause of death was given as a compressive head injury, consistent with a dog bite.
The inquest was adjourned until August 4 2026.
Gwent Police confirmed that the pair from Rogiet village have since been released on police bail while investigations continue.
The six-year-old canine was officially registered as an XL bully with the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) prior to the breed prohibition taking effect. Assistant Chief Constable Vicki Townsend identified the animal as a male, black XL bully.
It was put down following the incident.
“The arrests were made as part of a wide range of enquiries that officers are carrying out to understand the circumstances of the death,” she explained.
She appealed to the public to refrain from speculation regarding the circumstances surrounding the fatal dog attack.
“I understand that there is a lot of interest about this in our communities, but this is now a live criminal investigation,” she stated.
“It is vital that people think about how their online commentary, in particular social media comments or posts, could impact the ongoing investigation and the criminal justice process.”
“We urge people not to speculate, if you have any information, including information on the dog involved – a male, black XL bully – and its previous behaviour, please contact us directly instead.
“Once again, my condolences and thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragic death, both within the community and further afield.”
In the wake of the tragedy, Peter Strong, Monmouthshire county councillor for the Rogiet ward, described the incident as “unbelievably awful”.
He said: “I think the community is very much in mourning, there’s a profound sense of shock.
“(People are) really stunned, I think.
“Clearly, our thoughts are with the family, to lose a baby in these circumstances, a thing of deep joy and love, to have that taken away from you… It’s unbelievably awful.
“I’d like to appeal to the community to remain calm and give the police a chance to do their work and to give the family the chance to grieve in peace.”
Katherine Close, trustee of the Rogiet Community Junction cafe, said: “The community is in shock, you never expect it.
“It’s not often that we see a lot of emergency vehicles around, so when it does happen you know something serious has happened.”
Another neighbour, who did not want to be named, said: “It’s really sad, it’s emotional.
“I’ve got a baby myself … I feel for the parents.”
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