XL bully found dead on dogwalkers path ‘after being thrown off bridge’ | UK News

A muzzled XL bully has been found dead at the foot of a bridge after apparently being hurled off in a ‘callous and sickening act’.

It is the latest in a series of ‘heart-breaking’ cases of dogs being given up or abandoned in the wake of the Government’s move to outlaw the breed, the RSPCA said.

Inspector Kristy Ludlam said she believes the animal was alive when she appears to have been thrown from the busy A57 flyover in the Beighton area of Sheffield.

The black-and-white female was found by a dog walker in the area known as The Washlands on Monday morning.

Ms Ludlam 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.

‘I am appealing to anyone who may have seen something suspicious before the time she was found on January 22 at 11am to get in touch.

‘This is a very busy road so I am hoping someone may have seen something or may have dashcam footage which would help the investigation.’

She continued: ‘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.’

Ms Ludlam said the dog was microchipped to a breeder in Wigan but the new owner’s details were not registered and further inquiries are taking place.

New rules have been introduced by the Government following a series of attacks linked to XL bully dogs.

The breed must be kept on a lead and muzzled in public under the new restrictions.

Breeding, selling or abandoning the dogs has also become illegal, with owners being urged to apply for a certificate of exemption for current pets before the January 31 deadline.

From February 1, it will be a criminal offence to own an XL bully dog in England and Wales without a certificate.

The RSPCA is part of the Dog Control Coalition, which opposes the ban.

Anyone with first-hand information is urged to call the RSPCA cruelty line on 0300 123 8018.

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.

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