XL bully owner 'understandably devastated' by death and mutilation of dog - Sutton

The "understandably devastated" owner of a dog found dead and mutilated in south London has been identified as an investigation continues.

The RSPCA said the owner of the dog - thought to be an "XL bully" - is not a suspect.

A member of the public found the body of the dog on Waltham Road, Carshalton, on Saturday December 30. Its front legs were bound and had been set alight. It had suffered a "major head trauma" and one ear was partially cut off.

The Met Police was alerted to the find and it was referred to the animal welfare charity, which is carrying out enquiries. A renewed appeal has been issued for anybody with information to come forward.

RSPCA inspector Harriet Daliday said: “This poor dog was found in such sad circumstances - with his legs tied together, and set on fire.

“While we cannot be sure how the head injury was sustained, obviously the circumstances are hugely concerning, and vets believe the serious head trauma was the suspected cause of this dog's sad death."

She added: “We’ve understandably seen an outpouring of concern from the public about this dog, and we continue to urge anyone with relevant information to aid our enquiries to contact our inspectorate appeal line as soon as possible.

"Since this incident was reported to us, the RSPCA has identified the dog’s understandably devastated owner, who is not a suspect based on the current evidence we have."

Those with information should contact the RSPCA’s appeals line on 0300 123 8018, quoting reference 01202686.

Since New Year's Eve, new restrictions make it a legal requirement for all XL Bully dogs to be kept on a lead and muzzled when in public. It is also illegal to breed, sell, advertise, gift, exchange, abandon or let XL Bully dogs stray.

The government says the decision to ban XL Bully dogs was made following a concerning rise in attacks from the dogs.

In the last three years 23 people lost their lives after dog attacks, says the government, which added: "XL Bullies have been involved in many of these tragic deaths."