A muzzled XL Bully was “thrown to its death” off a bridge just a week before a ban on the breed comes into effect.
An investigation by the RSPCA is underway after the dog was found bloodstained and with a head injury.
The young female canine was discovered inside a metal crate on a patch of grass in Halcot Avenue, Bexleyheath, London, on January 17 at around 11.00am.
The RSPCA said the dog was brought to the charity between 4.30pm and 6.15pm that day.
An RSPCA inspector Kirsty believes that the XL Bully was alive when they were chucked from the bridge, due to blood around her mouth which is likely to have been caused from the impact of the fall
RSPCA
Inspector Kirsten Ormerod said that officers were “deeply concerned the head injury was caused deliberately”.
“It's incredibly upsetting that her bloodstained body was dumped so carelessly in a residential area and it must have been a shocking discovery to make,” she added.
She added that the XL Bully, who was not microchipped, was discovered in a crate covered in bodily functions and with a large sheet thrown over it.
RSPCA inspector Kirsty Ludlam believes that the XL Bully was alive when they were chucked from the bridge, due to blood around her mouth which is likely from the impact of the fall.
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She said: “From the injuries sustained and the location where she was found, it appears that the poor dog was thrown from the flyover and died due to blunt force trauma injuries as she hit the ground. She was found on a route well used by dog walkers and had not been dead very long.”
Ludlam is asking anyone who witnessed the dog’s death to come forward.
She said: “I am appealing to anyone who may have seen something suspicious before the time she was found on 22 January at 11am to get in touch. This is a very busy road so I am hoping someone may have seen something or may have dash cam footage which would help the investigation.
“If she has been thrown from the flyover to her death - this is a very callous and sickening act. I am hoping people may recognise the dog and provide me with names of possible culprits.
“Anyone with first-hand information is urged to call the RSPCA cruelty line on 0300 123 8018.”
Owners of XL Bully dogs have until January 31 to apply for an exemption certificate to keep their dog (stock pic)
PAEarlier this week, a nine-month-old XL puppy died after they were poisoned whilst out for a walk in Essex.
Anna-Marie Stevens, 51, the dog’s owner spent thousands of pounds she had won on the lottery trying to save her pet.
She had won £13,000 from the Postcode Lottery and used the money to fork out over £13,342 worth of vet treatment.
XL bullies were added to the Dangerous Dogs Act on October 31, 2023 and owners in England and Wales were given two months to prepare for restrictions.
As well as keeping them on a lead and in a muzzle whilst in public, selling, breeding, abandoning or giving them away is now illegal.
Owners have until January 31 to apply for an exemption certificate to keep their dog. They will also need to have it neutered, microchipped and insured.
Those in England and Wales without an exemption will have to euthanise their dog or face a possible criminal record and fine.