BIRMINGHAM – In a landmark case that has animal behaviorists and legal scholars scratching their heads, Ashley Warren, 39, has reportedly provided irrefutable 'proof' that his two XL Bully dogs were indeed 'friendly,' albeit with a tragic, unforeseen side effect involving his mother-in-law, Brenda Finch, 72.

Police sources, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sheer awkwardness of the situation, confirmed that Mr. Warren had repeatedly assured authorities his dogs, 'Cuddles' and 'Snuggles,' were harmless. Days later, Ms. Finch was found deceased, having apparently engaged in a 'robust play session' with the animals.

“While the outcome was regrettable, Mr. Warren's commitment to demonstrating canine amiability is, in its own way, commendable,” stated Dr. Percival Wiffle, Head of Theoretical Canine Aggression at the Institute for Unverifiable Pet Claims. “He essentially conducted a real-world, albeit uncontrolled, experiment. The data, while stark, does indicate a certain... enthusiasm from the subjects.”

Prosecutors, however, are struggling to reconcile the 'friendly' defense with the 'mauled to death' reality. “It’s a nuanced legal tightrope,” explained Barrister Fiona Grimshaw, specializing in Post-Mortem Pet PR. “Technically, if the dogs *intended* to be friendly, but their execution was… overzealous, does that still count? We're consulting the Oxford English Dictionary on the precise definition of 'friendly' versus 'enthusiastically dismembered.'”

Mr. Warren, the first person prosecuted under the new XL bully laws, remains steadfast. “They just loved her too much,” he reportedly told officers, wiping away a single, perfectly dry tear. “It was a love mauling.”