XL bully puppy body found in cage in Bexleyheath after head injury

The "bloodstained" body of a dead XL bully puppy has been found in south-east London just weeks before a ban on the breed begins.

The young female dog, believed to be six to nine months old, was discovered in a large metal cage on a patch of grass in Halcot Avenue, Bexleyheath on January 17.

It had a severe head injury, which vets deemed to be caused by “blunt force”, and blood coming from her mouth and rear.

The RSPCA has launched an investigation amid concerns that the injuries were caused “deliberately”.

Kirsten Ormerod, an inspector at the animal charity, said: “We believe the poor dog was transported to the grassy patch in Halcot Avenue inside the crate sometime between 4.30pm and 6.15pm last Wednesday 17th January 2024.

“It’s incredibly upsetting that her bloodstained body was dumped so carelessly in a residential area. It must have been a shocking discovery to make.

“At this stage we have no idea how this poor dog has sustained such a head injury, but I’m deeply concerned that it may have been caused deliberately.”

Ms Ormerod said the black metal cage the puppy was found in was covered in faeces and urine. It had a beige sheet thrown over it, with pink twine used to tie it shut.

The RSPCA is urging anyone with information to come forward urgently.

“We’re appealing to the public for help with this investigation,” Ms Ormerod said. “If anyone recognises this poor dog then we’d urge them to get in touch.

“We’d also like to hear from anyone who lives in the area and has CCTV or a doorbell camera and can provide us with footage that may assist our enquiries.”

The puppy is a distinctive colour, with unusual markings of grey merle patches on white fur. It had no collar or tag on and was not microchipped.

Anyone with information should contact the RSPCA appeal line on 0300 123 8018, quoting reference 01210692.

Since December 31 it has been illegal to breed, sell, advertise, rehome, abandon or allow an American bully XL dog to stray.

From February 1 it will become illegal to own one if it is not registered on the Index of Exempted dogs.

Owners will have to have third party public liability insurance, and dogs will have to be microchipped and neutered.