WARNING: Distressing content material under
An XL bully has been discovered lifeless in an alleyway with a fractured cranium and burn marks.
The male canine had its legs certain collectively, had one among its ears minimize off and had been set on fireplace leaving its legs badly burned, the RSPCA mentioned. It was found by a member of the general public in Waltham Road, Carshalton, south London, on Saturday, in accordance with the charity.
It was discovered earlier than new legal guidelines got here into power on Sunday making it unlawful to breed, promote, or abandon XL bullies. Owners have to use for an exemption by February 1 to maintain their dogs.
What we all know
The RSPCA mentioned a member of the general public made the “surprising discovery” on 30 December, the day earlier than the beginning of a ban on the XL bully breed.
New legal guidelines got here into power on New Year’s Eve making it unlawful to breed, promote or abandon XL bullies, with homeowners given till 1 February to use for an exemption to maintain their dogs.
Harriet Daliday, RSPCA inspector, mentioned: “It is deeply concerning that the dog was found with his legs tied together and had been set on fire.
Watch: XL bully rules come into force amid mounting animal welfare fears as ban looms
“The dog also had one of his ears cut off. We are appealing for anyone who has any information about this incident to contact us in complete confidence.”
Anyone with data can contact the RSPCA’s appeals line, quoting reference 01202686. The RSPCA opposes the ban, launched by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in response to a spate of assaults by XL bullies, and beforehand warned it might result in an inflow of the dogs being taken to animal shelters or deserted.
What we do not know
It is unclear if the XL bully was tortured earlier than it died with no timeline but established on when precisely its accidents have been inflicted. The RSPCA additionally mentioned it didn’t know if the canine’s accidents, together with being set on fireplace, have been the reason for demise.
Daliday mentioned: “At this stage, we don’t know for sure if the canine had sustained the top harm after being hit by a automotive, or whether or not this was accomplished intentionally.”
There have been additionally stories that the canine had escaped from a backyard after winds blew down a fence, however this has not but been established.
XL bully dogs should now be stored on a lead and muzzled in public. Breeding, promoting or abandoning the dogs has additionally change into unlawful, with homeowners being urged to use for a certificates of exemption for present pets earlier than the 31 January deadline.
From 1 February, proudly owning an XL bully canine in England and Wales with out a certificates – putting them on the Index of Exempted Dogs – can be a felony offence.
