A banned XL Bully has been found dead by a walker after being tied up and dumped in a field.
The body of the dog was found bound to a fence.
The owner is suspected to have left the animal for dead after the breed became outlawed.
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The brown and white XL Bully had no clear injuries, however, both the nose and mouth were covered in blood.
The animal was found last Thursday (26 Sept).
The walker came across the animal off Heath Lane, in the village of Codicote, near Hitchin, Hertfordhsire.
In December last year, the ban on XL Bullies came into action in England and Wales following a spate of attacks.
Since the introduction of the law, the number of abandoned dogs from this breed has increased by 692%.
Over 100 XL Bullies have been reported abandoned between January and August 2024.
Reports of intentional harm to these dogs also saw a huge rise, increasing from 39 to 103 incidents.
The member of the public reported the body to the RSPCA, who attended the scene and removed the animal, as reported by Need To Know.
Jess Barron, RSPCA animal welfare officer, said: “This is really heartbreaking… as the dog was tied up, we fear the dog was abandoned and left for dead.
“We don’t know if they were exempted under the recent XL bully ban.
“Regardless of the situation, it isn’t okay to abandon an animal – there are organisations out there who can help.
“Even though XL Bullies are banned, it doesn’t mean it’s acceptable to abandon or neglect
them.
“Sadly, we’ve had more and more reports this year.”
Anyone who recognises the dog, or has further information which can help the RSPCA’s investigation, can call the RSPCA’s appeals line in confidence on 0300 123 8018, quoting reference 1360282.
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