The dead pup was found locked in a cage in a canal (Picture: PA)
A dead XL bully has been found locked inside a cage in a canal in Birmingham, sparking an RSPCA investigation.
The brown XL bully type, an adult unneutered male aged between one and two years old, was found inside a metal cage in the water in Crawford Street in Saltley on Friday, the charity said.
RSPCA officers scanned the dog after they were called by police, revealing a microchip identifying it as ‘puppy 8’ and linking it to an address in West Bromwich.
Upon visiting the address, the occupants were said to be shocked by the news and confirmed they had had a litter of puppies which they had recently sold on, telling RSPCA investigators they did not have any contact details for the new owner.
XL Bullies have been banned in England and Scotland since February (Picture: Getty)
An investigation has since been launched into the dog’s suspicious death.
Inspector Laura Brewerton said: ‘We currently don’t know the circumstances around this dog’s death but it’s incredibly concerning that he was found shut inside this crate floating in the water and we can’t rule out the possibility that he was thrown into the canal alive and left to drown, which is horrific.
‘We’re now investigating this heartbreaking incident and we’d urge anyone who recognises this dog or who saw anything suspicious in this area on Friday – or the days before – to get in touch with us. This can be done anonymously.’
Since February 1, it has been a criminal offence to own the XL bully breed in England and Wales without an exemption certificate.
Anyone who owns one of the dogs must have had the animal neutered, have it microchipped and keep it muzzled and on a lead in public, among other restrictions.
In January, the RSPCA said it had seen a series of ‘heartbreaking’ cases of animals being given up or abandoned in the wake of the Government’s move to ban the breed.
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